*FOR LARGE DONATIONS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH DIRECTLY TO LIFELINE@ABTALIFELINE.ORG.UK*

26 March 2020

FORMER THOMAS COOK EXECUTIVES ANNOUNCE MAJOR FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE FOR THOMAS COOK STAFF IMPACTED BY COMPANY FAILURE

In September 2019 the Thomas Cook Group very sadly went into compulsory liquidation and more than 9,000 of their UK employees were left without jobs. Today, a few months on, many of these former Thomas Cook employees continue to be out of work and remain under a lot of financial pressure. The current situation with COVID-19, is also having a massive impact on the travel industry, both in the UK and around the world, and sadly it is likely that more jobs will be lost.

Following the Thomas Cook collapse, a fund was established by two of the Group's former Executives: John McEwan and John Donaldson and, through the kind support of so many individuals and companies, over £200,000 has been raised to support former Thomas Cook employees. Today more than 1,300 individuals and families have benefited. However, financial support to those in the industry that remain out of jobs continues to be needed and further funding is urgently required.

Please help us and donate to support those that continue to be going through a challenging time.

On behalf of John McEwan, John Donaldson and the team at ABTA LifeLine we thank all those that have supported the campaign to date and welcome any further contributions going forward.

Below are some comments from beneficiaries that have been supported:

A huge thank you for the vouchers and the help you are offering during such a hard time for a lot of people. it is very much appreciated"

I cant thank the amazing people at ABTA LifeLine enough. I have just been to fill my fridge and freezer up, thanks to the very kind vouchers I was sent. Literally is a life line for myself and my son at the moment. Having worked full time since I was 16, I never imagined myself to be in this awful situation. With a system that seems to punish the ones who really need help, acts of kindness like this really mean the world. Thank you x

Fantastic service and a great help in such an awful time. Would recommend this to anyone who find themselves in a similar situation, dont be afraid to reach out. These guys will help you x"

THANKYOU so much for my vouchers. Such an amazing gesture at such an important time x x "

They helped me have a Christmas dinner when the government abandoned us. Forever indebted to ABTA LifeLine and will never be able to thank them enough when I hit hard times through no fault of my own. If only other companies followed suit x"