A team from Avis Budget Group, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways chief executive Giles Hawke and Travelife financial administrator Sara Grieve will take on 26.2 miles on Sunday (3 October) to raise vital funds for travel colleagues in need.
LifeLine director Trudie Clements said every week the charity was receiving requests for support with a range of issues.
“Requests range from people who have lost their jobs and can’t put food on the table, pay their bills or even need clothes to attend job interviews, to more complex personal circumstances which may range from bereavement to mental health support,” she said.
“After an incredibly disruptive 18 months for the travel industry, this marathon is a brilliant example of how community groups and volunteers can help travel peers in desperate need. This fundraiser plays a crucial role in enabling LifeLine to continue to offer support that can be life-changing to many. I would like to thank each and every runner and the people who so kindly donate to their pages.”
First launched in 2020, the Virtual London Marathon is being held for a second year and sees participants given 24 hours to complete their own 26.2-mile route.
Colleagues from Avis Budget Group have used the challenge as a team building opportunity and its members are planning to walk the marathon together throughout the day.
They have also been training together by meeting up regularly to walk 10 miles and sharingtips with each other.
Travel and partnerships manager Sophie Nelson organised the team after volunteering for LifeLine for nine months.
“I have seen first-hand how instrumental LifeLine is in supporting our travel colleagues in need,” she said. "LifeLine is the heart of our industry. Donations help pay for essential bills to keep families in their homes and help fund vital mental health support.”
Grieve said she took on the marathon to step out of her comfort zone.
“When I began training for this marathon, I was a beginner [and] I was completely out of breath after 90 seconds running. But I want to be able to provide LifeLine with more funds to help people in need. I realise the end of furlough will mean even more job losses,” she said.
Hawke meanwhile is getting ready for his second charity challenge in just a few weeks, after cycling more than 1,200 miles in the New Forest as part of a team of cruise industry colleagues for the Family Holiday Association.
Although he has never run a full marathon, he has stepped up his training routine by walking, running or cycling daily.
“The travel industry has been good to me for almost 30 years and others have lost their livelihoods and jobs through no fault of their own,” he said. “This marathon feels like the right thing to do to help them as best as I can.”
Colleagues in the travel industry can donate to Team Avis, Sara and Giles via their fundraising pages below:
