Portsmouth woman raises £500 for Thomas Cook staff made redundant before a flight from Cyprus

Thomas Cook ceased to trade on 23 September, leaving thousands of holidaymakers and staff in confusion. Image: Dina Grinevica

A WOMAN from Havant has gone viral on Facebook for sharing her heart-warming encounter with the crew from Thomas Cook.

Michelle Jubb was one of the holidaymakers who received the news about Thomas Cook entering administration while not having a valid return flight home.

Upon her repatriation flight from Cyprus, she learned that the crew on board were not getting paid for their work and were volunteering to bring the stranded passengers back to the UK.

The crew members were volunteering after made redundant by Thomas Cook. Image: Michelle Jubb

After an emotional welcome announcement left many in tears, Michelle decided to collect some funds from the passengers to show appreciation for their unpaid work.

Once she handed over the collections, the crew were astonished, expressing their gratitude towards everyone as they raised over £500.

The crew were in tears as Michelle handed over the raised funds. Image: Michelle Jubb

Michelle said: ‘’My decision to collect funds was spontaneous, but I’m also not shy at taking the lead.

‘’I wanted to try and raise a bit of money for the crew to show our appreciation, but I never expected to collect this much!’’

She was shocked to learn that her Facebook post of the situation had gone viral with over 20,000 shares.

The news comes as British holidaymakers are still stranded overseas, waiting for repatriation flights back home.