Charity challenge saw £8,500 riding on David’s success!
Wales to the Dales in a day: David Thornley Jnr (left) with the park group’s Andy Bunce and Chris Darbey
North Wales holiday 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 holiday 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.
“Our most recent cycle ride was an amazing experience, and we also met our own personal target of making it to the park before the bar closed for the night!
“We owe big debt of thanks to all our sponsors for their fantastic generosity,” added David.
His father, David Thornley Snr, has also been responsible for raising thousands of pounds – and has taken part with David Jnr in a number of activities, including a zip-wire challenge. Among those joining David on the charity cycle ride were Thornley Leisure assistant park manager Chris Darbey and maintenance team member Andy Bunce.
Hope House Children’s Hospice area fundraiser Beverley Bradley said that the charity couldn’t thank the Thornley family enough for all their marvellous support over the years.
There is more information about the charity on its website at www.hopehouse.org.uk – and the parks in ownership of Thornley Leisure are described at www.thornleyleisure.co.uk
