Launch of Railway Family Week

The Railway Benefit Fund has today launched a week-long fundraising event designed to bring together the Railway Family in support of colleagues in need. ‘Railway Family Week’ will feature a range of exciting fundraising events.

More than £25,000 has already been raised to support current, former and retired railway people and their families as part of Railway Family Week.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and fundraise, with organisers hoping to raise £50,000 to support even more current or former rail workers who are going through difficult times.

Claire Houghton, CEO at the Railway Benefit Fund, said: “We are so excited to launch Railway Family Week. It’s been such a tough year for the rail industry so we hope that Railway Family Week will be a real boost for everyone and help us to support those struggling as the pandemic continues.”

The week of fundraising will consist of a range of fundraising events revolving around the year that the RBF was founded ­– 1858. Teams or individuals can take up their own challenges, such as target raising £1,858, or completing 1,858km or 1,858m, or do press-ups at 18.58 every night for a month.

Among the events taking place includes a charity Auction of Experiences. Sir Peter Hendy has donated a trip out on his own London Routemaster bus for 63 guests. There is also a Hovercraft VIP Experience with Hovertravel.

Some events have already taken place, including a virtual Railway Cinema Night which was hosted by journalist, broadcaster of the Railway Journeys series and former politician Michael Portillo.

RBF President Pete Waterman said: “We are urging the industry to show their support and get involved in whatever way they can.

“Whether it’s fundraising, bidding in our auction or simply donating- your support makes the world of difference to the Railway Benefit Fund.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has shown their support already.”

Visit https://www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/railway-family-week/ for more details.

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