Staff from The Greenbank, The Alverton, and The Falmouth have successfully completed their Charity Coastal Convoy, raising £4,000 for Bliss, the leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick. The 17-mile sponsored walk took place on Sunday 12th October, starting at The Alverton in Truro at 9.45am and finishing at The Falmouth Hotel at around 6.30pm, with the route winding through the Cornish countryside and along the coastal path via The Greenbank in Falmouth. Teams from across the Cornwall Hotel Collection were joined by friends, family, and four-legged companions as they walked together in support of a cause close to their hearts.
With a personal link to this charity, Matt Garland, General Manager of The Greenbank, reflects on this achievement: “After choosing to support Bliss, it’s been more emotional than I expected. Talking about our time in NICU, sharing our son Jesse’s story, and asking for support brought a lot of memories back for my partner Hannah and myself. At times, I wondered if it would be worth reopening those feelings. But now that we’ve finished the walk, I can say without a doubt — it absolutely was.
The generosity and kindness we’ve experienced along the way has been amazing. From online donations to people who stopped us mid-walk just to talk, share their own stories, or hand us a few coins – thank you. Every single gesture, big or small, meant something. Hopefully we’ve helped raise awareness and funds that will support families who need Bliss in the future — families going through some of the toughest days of their lives.”
The day was made possible thanks to Marketing Assistant Jennifer Turner who organised the event, and to the generosity of several local businesses.
A2B Coach Travel provided complimentary morning transfers from Falmouth to Truro, while Fal River Cornwall offered a chartered ferry journey from King Harry Pier to Mylor Harbour. Flushing Sailing Club kindly hosted the walkers for a well-earned rest, complete with free venue hire and cream teas, and LM Cakery, run by the Collection’s Reservations Manager Lisa Johns, donated a tempting spread of cakes and bakes sold for donations during the pit stop.
Further thanks go to Sharp’s Brewery for providing a refreshing mid-walk pint, Moët & Chandon for the celebratory sip on arrival at The Falmouth, Muddy Beach Café for the use of their facilities and for reaching into the tip jar for a donation, and to Claire and her partner, two kind passers-by who opened their home to the weary walkers for a much-needed cup of tea and rest along the way.
With a JustGiving page still open for Bliss donations, the Charity Coastal Convoy adds to a growing total of almost £10,000 raised this year by the Cornwall Hotel Collection through a series of charitable events, including the Pink Wig Pre-Party for The Mermaid Centre, Dragon Boat racing in aid of Mylor Sailability, and The Working Boat’s weekly pub quiz, which continues to support local causes.
Community has always been at the heart of The Cornwall Hotel Collection. From hosting local fundraisers to championing Cornish suppliers and charities, the team remains dedicated to giving back to the place they proudly call home. The Collection’s three hotels will continue to fundraise throughout the year, supporting local and national charities wherever possible.
