A team of 27 staff from Airbus raised £20,000 for a children’s hospice after a gruelling 82km trek.

The group walked from their Broughton base along the North Wales Coast Path to Tŷ Gobaith in the Conwy Valley, from September 14 to 15.

The team, who camped overnight near Prestatyn, continued their walk despite the adverse weather conditions and growing blisters.

Led by Guy Jones, 55, the Manufacturing Engineering department has now completed four charity ventures for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

Mr Jones explained his motive for helping children's hospices: "I lost two sisters at a young age after they were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

"Seeing how a children’s hospice helped get my parents and family through that torrid end-of-life time really made me want to do something.

"When I moved to the Cheshire from Derby I was glad to find Hope House and contacted them to see if Airbus could help."

The Airbus volunteers have previously helped with numerous projects at Hope House in Oswestry and decided to venture to the charity's Conwy site this year.

After already completing walks to the Oswestry hospice, the Yorkshire Four Peaks and the Welsh Three Peaks in challenging conditions in 2023, the team decided to take on the North Wales Coast Path this year.

Mr Jones said: "The team just don’t stop.

"We had 12 of us in the first year and that has grown to 27 this time.

"The spirit was great on the walk and despite some painful blisters we made it to our campsite for some hot food and even a little karaoke before a rough sleep and setting off early the next morning."

The team raised £20,000   (Image: Hope House Children's Hospices)

However, day two proved more challenging as the weather worsened and sore feet began to take their toll.

Mr Jones said: "People we met along the way were fantastic and gave donations.

"We stopped to build a few sand castles but managed to arrive at Tŷ Gobaith before dark to a wonderful welcome.

"We met the staff and some of the children as well.

"It was two days of doing the right thing for the right people.

"It’s in our blood."

READ MORE:

The team's total will be donated to Hope House Tŷ Gobaith in November during their Quality Moments Matter event.

That is a 36-hour fundraising marathon in which every donation is doubled by a matcher’s pot.

Over the years, the Airbus volunteers have raised around £120,000 for the hospices with their events.

Hospice fundraiser Nicola Eyes said: "Guy and his team are just amazing.

"They are so thoughtful and just love helping the children and families.

"Whether it’s getting hands-on in the grounds or taking on these brave physical challenges, they’re all superstars.

“We are so grateful to them and look forward to assisting them in their future efforts."