Travel communications boss Debbie Hindle paid tribute to the support of the travel industry as she raised almost £6,000 at a 10km charity event in London on Saturday (May 13).
The chief executive of travel at Four Communications had an operation in February after undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer since August.
She went on stage ahead of the start of the Walk for Life as it was announced that she was the top fundraiser that day.
Receiving a certificate to mark her achievement, she told the crowd she has recently received the all-clear from cancer, adding: “Lots of people also have their own incredible stories, but many were quiet about it. We’re here to give those people a voice.”
More: Travel communications boss gets all-clear from cancer as fundraiser tops £5k
Travel PR specialist Debbie Hindle to tackle 10km Cancer Research fundraiser
She said it was “incredibly uplifting” to be among so many people walking for cancer and reading their messages on their shirts.
“Before the race there were so many people who told me their own cancer stories that I wanted to walk for them too, so my message just said: ‘I walk for us all’,” she said.
Her team walked rather than ran the 10k course, but as the race layout was a loop her team was cheered by runners on their second loop who had heard about their fundraising.
“That wouldn’t have happened without the generosity and kindness of everyone in the travel industry,” she said.
“I am still overwhelmed by how incredibly wonderful everybody has been and the messages of support I’ve received are still keeping me buoyant.”
Lorraine Grant, formerly of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and now travel project coordinator at consultancy Russell Reynolds Associates, wished Debbie’s team luck at the start of the event – and signed up and walked with them.
Debbie commented: “We took it slowly and it all went well. We finished the race after two hours seven minutes – and spent Sunday relaxing.
“I’ve now raised just shy of £6,000 and our team between us have raised more than £10,000 for Cancer Research.
“Work by Cancer Research is constantly changing how cancers are being treated and a new drug came onto the market even as I was having treatment.
“It is doing amazing work which will help many people in the future.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without everyone in travel and I’m hugely grateful to everybody who donated. Thank you so much.”
Her fundraising total is currently £5,950 plus £1,201.25 Gift Aid. To donate, click here.
Pictured from left: Debbie Vertue, Lorraine Grant, Steve Greenwood, Debbie Hindle, Lin Limbrey and Sarah Walton