She’s rubbed shoulders with a racing driver heart throb, but here Hays Travel’s new Homeworking Recruitment and Business Development Lead Cherie Richards tells us who are her real heroes and the other loves of her life.
I never travel without… my eight-year-old son Oakley. He’s the best travelling companion and takes care of his mummy.
My go-to destination is… Sani in Halkidiki. We have holidayed there every year since Oakley was one and it’s our home from home, with amazing staff who remember us each year. So welcoming and warm and it really makes for a perfect holiday.
The most famous person I’ve met was… racing driver Lewis Hamilton at Sports Personality of the Year in 2015 (pictured above).
My favourite UK hotel is… right now for a midweek stay it’s the Premier Inn in Sunderland. As I have been staying regularly, their warm welcome with ‘alright pet’ is so lovely, and even the restaurant staff saving my fave table for me. They are just so welcoming.
When I travel I never get tired of listening to… music like Sade. I like chilled-out music as this helps me relax. And my son laughing in the pool, hearing his happiness and enjoyment is the best feeling ever.
My weakness is… a coffee! I really enjoy a latte or cappuccino to start my days.
My mantra is…go with your gut! I have made some big life decisions, especially over the last few years, both professionally and personally and the gut feel has been so right. In addition, the pandemic has taught me that life can be cruel and cut short at any time so spending time with loved ones is so much more important to me now.
My hero is… Andy Stark. Andy was the boss, but also my friend and he always had a way of taking a worry or concern and turning it around into a positive. He was kind, caring and super funny. He made me eye roll a lot! He was a great leader. A leader that would let you crack on and make it happen. Sadly missed.
The restaurant I’d choose for a perfect date is…a tapas restaurant would be my fave. Reminder of my time repping overseas. I loved those years. I loved Spain. I loved speaking Spanish and I loved the fresh fish and food.
The thing I’m most proud of is… my 30-years-plus travel industry employment, and having the most amazing son who has supported my work and all that is expected of me by way of overseas trips and overnights over the last eight years.
The best thing about me is… my happy, bubbly, friendly and smiley personality and my desire to help and support wherever I can.
Born and brought up in… Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Live in…Shrewsbury (still)
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a holiday rep – and that is what I became.
The thing I miss most while travelling is… my bed and home comforts and of course Barney the dog.