Lisa Henning thanks AAAs guests for ‘incredible’ donations to Merle’s Wish

Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa Henning has thanked Agent Achievement Awards guests for raising more than £6,500 for Merle’s Wish, the charity set up after her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

Henning, who invited donations during an on-stage appearance at the Travel Weekly event last week, said the total would be enough to cover the cost of 81 wheelchairs, supporting the independence of people who have a terminal illness.

She said it was “incredible” to raise £6,546.28, adding: “Everyone was so generous with fundraising but also with their feedback and support, which is equally as important.”

Henning’s mother died aged 62 in May 2023, six months after she was diagnosed. When she was receiving treatment, she decided she wanted to help other cancer patients who might be facing financial challenges on top of their terminal illnesses.

Merle’s Wish also helps people retain their independence by purchasing wheelchairs at a cost of £80 each.

After Henning’s speech last week, she was approached by other AAAs guests who congratulated her and relayed their own experiences.

“A lot of people shared their stories that evening with me, which was quite nice,” she said. “I think it resonated quite a lot.”

EasyJet holidays expressed its appreciation by contributing an £800 holiday voucher to the charity’s upcoming football tournament, Henning added.

“We have a raffle and an auction that takes place on the day and easyJet holidays kindly donated the voucher to that,” she said.