Passengers on a Thomas Cook repatriation flight were almost brought to tears by cabin crew member who made a raw and emotional speech over the tannoy.
The now jobless stewardess told passengers "even though we have been abandoned by our company we will not abandon you, our loyal customers".
The brave mum-of-two, who told customers she had heard she lost her job while on holiday in Turkey, stepped up to help get holidaymakers home despite not knowing if she would be paid.
The flight, one of many repatriation flights to bring stranded travellers home, was from Tenerife to Stansted on Friday.
She said: "I have given 13 years of my life to Thomas Cook and I met my husband here and on Monday we both lost our jobs overnight just like that and with two young children to support.
"It’s an incredibly hard time for us. We are not able to provide you with a lot, just a cup of tea, coffee and a muffin.
"But we promise to get your home safe and sound and see this through to the very end."
Grateful passengers broke out into applause and organised a whip-round for the devastated cabin crew left jobless after the holiday firm's collapse.
Alex Hall, from Bromley, who had spent a week abroad with his fiance Emily Watson, said he had "goosebumps" as he filmed the powerful speech and said he was "blown away" by the professionalism of staff and said they deserved recognition.
He added: "It was so raw and emotional. You could cut the tension with a knife."
"The whole way they staff were comforting each other. They were in bits.
"They remained so professional even though you could see how devastating it was."
