Meet the Hidden Heroes
What a privilege it is to share the story of Phil and Jenny’s bucket-list break at The Dorchester, taken earlier this year. Some experiences outstrip anything we could imagine when R2R started. This is one of them.
Enjoy!
The Nomination: Our children’s service supports families from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who have a child or young person diagnosed with a life limiting condition. Jenny volunteers within the day support service and is known to go way beyond her volunteering role – always giving 100% and showing compassion and kindness to our young patients – and has been doing so for over 10 years. She started with the Tots and Toys group, supported children’s events and trips out and supported a young lady in keeping up with her school studies for a year setting her work and attending school meetings to ensure her needs were met. Jenny and her husband Phil have also organised a very successful fundraising event once a year for the last five years, raising over £10,000. Jenny supports other young Keech children with their school studies and is a regular visitor to Great Ormond Street Hospital, supporting young people and their parents who are long stay patients. Recently, a patient with Keech Hospice Care was featured on a special edition of Children in Need Countryfile. This young lady talked about the support she gained at Keech Hospice Care and how it is helping her make her dream future a reality. Mum confirmed that her daughter has had a massive growth in confidence from the help and support offered by Keech Hospice Care. The volunteer that supported this young lady with her studies was Jenny. Jenny offered her not only educational and emotional support but was an advocate to ensure she received the right care and support not only at Keech Hospice Care but in the community. Jenny is a very passionate advocate for our children and young people and will do what she can to ensure they have the best quality of life. She also helps Keech Hospice Care in other ways, including fundraising and advocating for what we do to support us to make the difference when it matters the most. She is undoubtedly one of our Hidden Heroes.
Obviously, this was an easy nomination to say yes to! Jenny & Phil had long dreamed of a stay at The Dorchester, an iconic London hotel and incredible R2R supporters for a number of years. As one of our most popular hotel partners, it took a little planning and patience but, as you’ll see, the break was well worth the wait!
Ever since we had a wonderful meal at the Dorchester some years ago, actually staying there was high up on our bucket list and thanks to Room to Reward and The Dorchester our dream came true. It was our 50th Wedding Anniversary six months prior to the break, which was the most wonderful the icing on the cake as far as our celebrations go.
The reception staff warmly welcomed us, congratulated us our Wedding Anniversary and thanked us for choosing The Dorchester and giving them the opportunity to look after us. We took some pictures with members of the team, including Mr Luca Virgilio, The General Manager, who also arrived and thanked us for selecting his hotel for our stay.
We had lovely views overlooking Hyde Park and although the main road outside is incredibly busy there was no noise at all because of the sound proofing. We really enjoyed delicious full breakfasts each morning – the choice was staggering. Throughout the stay it felt like we were having the same dream!
It is really hard to describe our feelings and response, we were truly astonished and honestly overwhelmed throughout our stay. Every single member of staff was so attentive and kind and genuinely friendly.
We don’t have the words to express how grateful we are to Room to Reward and The Dorchester for this experience. Over the years, we have holidayed in various locations around the world, but this wonderful two night stay is right up with the very best and one we will always remember with great fondness.
It’s a privilege to volunteer at Keech Hospice, a truly amazing place. The nomination was a total surprise and the whole experience is still a little hard to believe. A mind-blowing break at a truly iconic hotel. Thank you, thank you, thank you!“
Huge thanks to Jenny for interrupting her break to tell us a little bit about her volunteering with Keech Hospice – on location in The Dorchester!
“We are delighted to be part of Room to Reward and to welcome Hidden Heroes like Jenny Eccles to The Dorchester. Our hotel has always been the London address for people who make the world turn, and it’s a privilege to extend that legacy to those who selflessly dedicate their time to helping others.”
Luca Virgilio, General Manager, The Dorchester
As we said, The Dorchester have been wonderful partners of R2R for a number of years. We could not be more grateful for their incredible support. Luca and his fantastic team demonstrate the very best of hospitality.
Find out more about this industry icon here – www.dorchestercollection.com
