Salon manager wins praise after raising cash for plane’s crew

Perth worker acted after news broke during flight back to UK from Vegas

A Perth salon manager has been praised for collecting donations for Thomas Cook staff on their final flight to the UK.

Ashleigh Maclennan, who manages Angus Gordon Hairdressing in the city centre, was in Las Vegas with her family for her brother’s wedding, and flew back to Manchester on Monday morning.

The cabin crew found out mid-flight the firm had collapsed and they had lost their jobs, before making the announcement to passengers.

Ashleigh, 31, organised a collection and every passenger contributed.

She said: “The crew explained as we were taking off there was some uncertainty with regards to the airline and were very emotional.

“Towards the end of the flight the crew updated the passengers that Thomas Cook had ceased trading in the early hours of the morning. The captain them came on to thank the crew and explain that they wouldn’t be paid.

“I took two of the Thomas Cook pillow cases and wrote on them ‘whip round for our amazing crew’. I sent one to the front of the plane and one to the back and everyone happily contributed.”

Organising the collection – which reportedly raised thousands of pounds – earned praise for former Perth Grammar School pupil Ashleigh, who now lives in Glasgow.

“We knew the airline was in a bit of bother but not to that extent,” she said.

“When the crew announced that they had ceased trading they were so upset. It was heartbreaking to see. And when the manager received the bags she was crying and hugged me so tight.”

The salon wasn’t the only one in Courier Country to help affected staff.

Pier 88, in Kirkcaldy, offered free cuts and blow-dries to staff in Fife offices.

Helen Anderson said: “We can’t even begin to imagine the stress and heartache this is causing, not to mention a financial pressure and finding work elsewhere at a very tough time of year.

“We are all in this together and if we can alleviate some stress, make you feel better, have somebody to talk to, or get you interview ready, we want to help.”

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When the crew announced that they had ceased trading they were so upset. It was heartbreaking. ASHLEIGH MACLENNAN

Picture: Getty. Travellers at Palma in Mallorca after the news of Thomas Cook’s collapse.

Ashleigh Maclennan, her mum Heather and partner Craig on the flight home.