Room to Reward – hotel breaks for Hidden Heroes

Room to Reward is a unique charity created to give back to those who do so much, for so many. Our hotel partners donate their anticipated unsold rooms and our charity partners nominate their Hidden Heroes for a break – we make it happen!

Below are a handful of stories of volunteer who have been rewarded a room, as told by their charities and the Hidden Heroes themselves.

Daphne and Charles – Help and Care

Daphne and her husband Charles are in their 80s and have been helping the local community through volunteering for over 20 years. They have carried out different roles at Help & Care, including driving people with mobility problems to essential appointments or visiting older and isolated people at home and are now part of the Telephone Befriending Support Scheme.

“We started volunteering because we wanted to help people and make a real difference to their lives, especially to those who are lonely and housebound.”

Bob – Mysight: Nottinghamshire

As Group Leader at My Sight Notts Rambling, Bob leads blind and partially sighted walkers through the Peak District every fortnight, come rain or shine, ensuring their safety and enjoyment at all times. We cannot thank Bob enough for his voluntary services over the years, he’s an awesome volunteer leader.

Each and every walker I have met has told me how they appreciate Bob and his dedication to creating a sense of family in the Rambling Group.

“Just a short message to express our thanks for the wonderful two days at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel. We visited Chester Zoo and walked the Chester City walls, visited lots of shops and had great meals.” 

Paul – Dreamflight

Each year, Dreamflight charters a 747 plane and takes 192 seriously ill or disabled children for a 10 day holiday of a lifetime to Orlando. On the day of the departure, all 192 children (plus over 200 medical and non-medical volunteers) are transported from the Hilton London at Heathrow Airport to the hangar set aside for Dreamflight.

Paul is the incredible volunteer who brings this whole departure/boarding experience together. It is a very stressful task, but Paul has ensured we have left on time for 30 years! He does not stop, until every person is on board and his enthusiasm does not wane for a second. The children absolutely love him and his legendary ‘Who’s the best Group’ shouts are an integral part of the whole Dreamflight experience!

“It’s an honour and a privelege to volunteer but these breaks make it very special for people like myself. It’s very humbling to be picked.”

Fiza – Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid

Fiza performs a variety of roles from supporting vulnerable women on our Helpline to co-delivering our Positive Relationships Programme in schools with young people. She is always reliable and consistent and is known throughout the organisation for being a volunteer to call upon in times of need. Fiza also provides support within our refuges.

Her friendly and professional manner help build trust and her understanding of the difficulties the women we support face means she is always empathetic and non-judgemental.

“It’s such a good gesture toward us volunteeers. We had an amazing time, so a massive thank you to you guys for making it possible!”