Who
We Are

Our team of sports travel specialists have over 15-years of industry experience.

Jonathan Hutton

Jon has over 30 years of industry experience across a multitude of different travel sectors including leading Operations teams in Sports Tour Operations, Corporate Travel, VIP and Premium Services, Group Travel and Event Management.

Sarah Gecsei-Holt

Sarah has 18 years of travel industry knowledge. She began her career in administration before deciding to work her way through the travel ranks, a journey which has allowed her to learn a wide range of skills from different areas.

Over the past nine years, Sarah has specialised in Sports and group travel. She has worked with several clients on a range of projects including those which consider the sensitive needs of disabled travellers and their more complex requirements.

MEET THE TEAM

Michelle Sample

Michelle has worked in the travel industry for 22 years with 17 of those years dedicated to sports travel. Michelle drives our exceptional offline service, whilst continuing to work with key team members to improve online booking and to educate travellers as to the benefits of our online booking tool, YourTrip.

Michelle has specialist knowledge of the needs of all sports travellers including the sensitive and diverse needs of disabled sports travellers and the professional and empathic attitude that is essential for this area of sports.

 Outside of work, Michelle loves going on walks with her dog, especially in the Yorkshire Dales. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is partial to a bottomless brunch or two!

Sarah Hawthorne

Sarah has worked in the travel industry for 22 years. During her career, she has used her expertise across many different sectors including leisure travel, accommodation, business travel within M&E, and low-cost airline and tour operations. From a young age, she always knew she wanted to work in travel or aviation, even though her dream of being an air hostess was dashed due to her height!

She brings a vast knowledge of the operational workings and logistics of hotel reservations, group accommodation and airline operations, particularly regarding special assistance.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys a holiday or a city break and has visited some amazing places, making memories with my son along the way. She also loves rugby and, if she’s not visiting her stomping ground of Surrey, watches her son play most weekends.

A portrait photo of Lee Johnson from Gray Dawes Sports

Lee Johnson

Lee has 17 years of experience in Sports travel and leads our Rugby League offering which he has done for at least 10 years. He will continue to support all other clients’
needs and requirements with his professional expertise and flair for problem solving.

Catriona Nunns

Catriona has been part of the Gray Dawes team since 2017 and has specialist experience in Sports and Group travel. Having previously spent 18 years working in both leisure and business travel management roles, Catriona brings extensive industry knowledge to the team. Her work includes collaborating with both tennis and cricket disability teams, and her empathetic attitude to clients who have more specialist needs is exceptional.

Away from the office, Catriona enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with an energetic 4-year-old! Travelling extensively around Europe, she always likes to have a trip planned for a new city or beach break to soak up the local culture. Catriona also loves to dance, and has achieved her Grade 4 in tap dancing exams!

Chris Brown

Chris has 14 years of travel industry experience. He has clear working knowledge of client’s requirements and consistently delivers the highest level of customer service, whether it be assisting on a short rail journey or managing a round-the-world trip.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends. He can often be seen throwing a ball around on the rugby pitch, or at the beach!

WHO WE ARE

Our team of sports travel specialist have over 15-years of industry experience.

OUR CREDENTIALS

After 40+ years in the sports travel industry, we are proud of what we have achieved.

Overseas Team Trips

Professional Sports Clients

Wins at the Business Travel Awards Europe (2021 & 2024)

You’re in good company

We work with some of the biggest names in the sporting world. From individuals to national governing bodies and professional sports teams. Every travel programme is tailored by us and personalised to ensure a seamless experience for the individual or group.

MEET THE TEAM

Jonathan Hutton

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Sarah Gecsei-Holt

Sarah has 18 years of travel industry knowledge. She began her career in administration before deciding to work her way through the travel ranks, a journey which has allowed her to learn a wide range of skills from different areas.

Over the past nine years, Sarah has specialised in Sports and group travel. She has worked with several clients on a range of projects including those which consider the sensitive needs of disabled travellers and their more complex requirements.

Michelle Sample

Michelle has worked in the travel industry for 22 years with 17 of those years dedicated to sports travel. Michelle drives our exceptional offline service, whilst continuing to work with key team members to improve online booking and to educate travellers as to the benefits of our online booking tool, YourTrip.

Michelle has specialist knowledge of the needs of all sports travellers including the sensitive and diverse needs of disabled sports travellers and the professional and empathic attitude that is essential for this area of sports.

 Outside of work, Michelle loves going on walks with her dog, especially in the Yorkshire Dales. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is partial to a bottomless brunch or two!

Sarah Hawthorne

Sarah has worked in the travel industry for 22 years. During her career, she has used her expertise across many different sectors including leisure travel, accommodation, business travel within M&E, and low-cost airline and tour operations. From a young age, she always knew she wanted to work in travel or aviation, even though her dream of being an air hostess was dashed due to her height!

She brings a vast knowledge of the operational workings and logistics of hotel reservations, group accommodation and airline operations, particularly regarding special assistance.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys a holiday or a city break and has visited some amazing places, making memories with my son along the way. She also loves rugby and, if she’s not visiting her stomping ground of Surrey, watches her son play most weekends.

A portrait photo of Lee Johnson from Gray Dawes Sports

Lee Johnson

Lee has 17 years of experience in Sports travel and leads our Rugby League offering which he has done for at least 10 years. He will continue to support all other clients’
needs and requirements with his professional expertise and flair for problem solving.

Catriona Nunns

Catriona has been part of the Gray Dawes team since 2017 and has specialist experience in Sports and Group travel. Having previously spent 18 years working in both leisure and business travel management roles, Catriona brings extensive industry knowledge to the team. Her work includes collaborating with both tennis and cricket disability teams, and her empathetic attitude to clients who have more specialist needs is exceptional.

Away from the office, Catriona enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with an energetic 4-year-old! Travelling extensively around Europe, she always likes to have a trip planned for a new city or beach break to soak up the local culture. Catriona also loves to dance, and has achieved her Grade 4 in tap dancing exams!

Chris Brown

Chris has 14 years of travel industry experience. He has clear working knowledge of client’s requirements and consistently delivers the highest level of customer service, whether it be assisting on a short rail journey or managing a round-the-world trip.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends. He can often be seen throwing a ball around on the rugby pitch, or at the beach!

CALL US

+44 (0) 1134 689 240

EMAIL US

sports@gdg.travel

LOCATION

Millshaw
Leeds
LS11 8EG

LET'S TALK

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