A TWO-year fundraising campaign by Airbus staff in South Gloucestershire has raised an incredible £192,000 for people with terminal and life limiting illnesses.

The aerospace giant, who have a site in Filton, announced the sum at the end of their partnership with Hospice UK, an organisation that supports the development of Hospice care in the UK.

Airbus employees in Filton voted to support the group and spent the last two years raising money that will benefit three hospices who operate in South Gloucestershire - Children’s Hospice South West, Jessie May Trust and St Peters Hospice.

Among the fundraising events that took place were bake sales and colour runs, with one team of employees completing a 1,000 mile triathlon inspired by Paralympian and Airbus employee, Andy Lewis.

Employees also gave practical support by volunteering at Hospice UK events, holding a Christmas Market on site and hosting families using the hospice care on a flight with Santa.

Trevor Higgs, UK head of engineering at Airbus said; “This fantastic partnership, which is entirely employee driven, has shown employees putting in a huge amount of time and energy into organising or getting involved in a variety of fundraising events.

“In the past two years, the level of support shown by our employees not only makes us incredibly proud as a company, but demonstrates how invaluable it is in relation to our ongoing commitment to supporting the wider community.”

Tracy Bleakley, CEO of Hospice UK said: “On behalf of everyone at Hospice UK, I would like to thank everyone at Airbus for their wonderful support of hospice care over the past two years.

“By working closely together, we have been able to ensure that people who are living with terminal and life-limiting conditions, their families, friends and carers have the best possible care at the end of their life.”