Bringing together the UK rail industry to help those in Ukraine

Unique rail-related experiences are up for grabs as the industry collaborates to raise funds for British Ukrainian Aid to fund life-saving equipment.

Among the prizes being offered for a £10 raffle ticket includes a trip for two to the top of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, cab rides with Avanti, Freightliner, ScotRail and MTR, and behind the scenes tours from Hitachi, Northern and Siemens.

Natasha Hanson, organiser of the Railway Family Prize Draw, said: “The draw was launched in 2021, amidst a time of uncertainty and concern for the rail industry. The aim was to bring people together for a worthy cause and to remind us that when we unite, there is simply no industry that compares.

“This year we have teamed up with the National Rail Awards to pay tribute to the heroic and unimaginable efforts of Ukrainian Railways. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, 140 railway workers have lost their lives while evacuating 3.5 million to safety.”

Money raised will fund life-saving equipment:

• £20 buys a tourniquet that stops/ slows bleeding allowing medical help to arrive;
• £100 buys specialist first aid kits;
• £716 buys a versatile stretcher that allows only two instead of four people to carry out a rescue, reducing the number of lives being risked saving others;
• £1,200 buys a baby warmer, needed when frequent air raids mean moving vulnerable babies from ICU to cold basements;
• £8,000 buys an ambulance.

Natasha added: “Companies from across rail have responded with more than 50 prizes donated from Freightliner and Avanti West Coast, through to LNER and ScotRail.

“Now, we are hoping the industry continues its fantastic support by purchasing tickets, not just putting themselves in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes, but more importantly helping to make a huge difference to those suffering in Ukraine.”

The prize draw runs until noon on September 15, where winners will be drawn on September 15 at the National Rail Awards. Follow @railwayfamilyR1 on Twitter or enter/ donate at https://gofund.me/d6f410d7

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