Five rail workers, including a freight driver and a chaplain, will this month walk 1,213 miles – the same distance of what is believed to be the longest train journey in the UK.
Heather Waugh, Debbie Francis OBE, Natasha Hanson, Reverend Mike Roberts and Amy Matthews are taking part in the challenge to raise funds for the Railway Mission.
The five might not be reaching the 125mph of that of the Pendolino between London and Glasgow, but are having to each do eight miles a day to hit the target in June.
Freight driver Heather said: “It’s tough, but everyone is doing amazingly well so far.”
The idea for the challenge was Mike’s as 2021 marks 140 years of the Railway Mission – which offers independent, confidential, impartial pastoral care to the railway community and members of the public.
Heather continued: “We all wanted to raise funds for the Railway Mission because of the amazing work they do and the fact their role has never been more crucial.
“All of us in the team 1213 have the fortune (or misfortune) of knowing Railway Chaplain Mike Roberts personally and we are so grateful for the work all of our chaplains do for us.
“They listen without judgement and ask for nothing in return.
“From helping train drivers, to British Transport Police, to Mobile Operations Manager, to control. They are there for every member of our railway family, whether they have been involved in a railway incident, or are facing financial or relationship problems.”
