Vardo journey to aid St Leonard’s Hospice - Yorkshire

From the York Press

A vardo – the traditional horse-drawn wagon used by British Romany people – is raising funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.

Owner John Vickers and his wife, Jean, will be collecting funds as they journey from their home in Knottingley, near Pontefract, to Appleby Horse Fair, which starts on 7 June.

By the time they return home, they will have completed a journey of more than 300 miles, and along the route they will encourage donations in memory of their friend Jeff Morton, who was cared for in the hospice. Other friends of Jeff will also be raising funds.

Sue Miller, hospice fundraising manager at the York hospice, said: “An old-fashioned vardo is a rarity these days, so we know that John and Jane will attract lots of attention – and, we hope, lots of donations – on their long journey to and from Appleby.

“We are very grateful to them and their friends for so generously supporting the work of St Leonard’s in this special way.”