Park To Park Charity Challenge
North Wales parks boss David Thornley Jnr has pedalled to victory in his bid to raise much-needed funds for a children’s hospice appeal.
David, a director of Thornley Leisure Parks, led a group of seven amateur cyclists this summer in a gruelling 186-mile sponsored ride which was completed in a single day.
Now, thanks to the team’s efforts, Hope House Children’s Hospices will shortly be handed a cheque for £8,500 to help support its vital care for young sufferers. The donation brings to a remarkable £170,000 the total that Thornley Leisure Parks has raised for the UK-wide hospice charity over the years.
David’s epic ride began at Green Pastures Holiday Park in Abersoch and followed mostly minor roads before finishing at Gallaber Holiday Park in the Yorkshire Dales. The two parks are among the nine multi-award winning holiday centres now owned by the Thornley family’s business which was established over 55 years ago.
The group’s connection with Hope House Children’s Hospices, said David, goes just as far back: “It was my grandparents Dorothy and William who opened our first park, Craiglwyd Hall Caravan Park in Conwy, which we still own today,” he said.
“They both became supporters of the charity from the outset, and it’s a tradition which my family has been very happy and proud to continue to this day.
“Many of our park staff are also enthusiastic fundraisers for Hope House, and take part in a wide range of events and challenges to swell our donations. We owe a big debt of thanks to all our sponsors for their fantastic generosity,” added David.
There is more information about the charity on its website at www.hopehouse.org.uk