UK – It is always a pleasure to hear how the freight and logistics community stands up year after year for good causes and GB Railfreight today (28 August) said a big thank you to all the staff and customers who together contributed to make up a record amount for blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Not so much stand up as sit down however as this time the money came from the receipts for the second of two Charity Railtours run this year, making it the most successful single charity event in the company’s history.
Following on from the first charity charter which ran in July and raised almost £10,000, the second Railtour took place on 9th August 2015, and raised £21,170 for the charity as part of a year-long fundraising effort, which has so far raised in excess of £55,000. Running under the name of ‘The Noah’s Arc’, GBRf ran the charity charter train journey for enthusiasts, between Glasgow and Crewe, leaving the Scottish city at 0942 and arriving at Crewe at 2059.
During the journey, the guests on board took part in fundraising collections, an on-board raffle, and even enjoyed a specially brewed beer, the proceeds from which all went to the charity. The event was run by GBRf staff who had all volunteered to work in their own time and on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis. Locomotives used for the event included two Class 47s between Glasgow and Newcastle, two Class 66s between Newcastle and Doncaster, and two Class 20s between Doncaster and Crewe.
The charter train forms part of the freight operator’s year-long fundraising efforts for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, which has included previous charter trains across the UK, marathon runs, quiz nights, dress down days and many other events. Over 30 GBRf staff were involved in the latest event preparing and organising both trains, but a special thanks went to Dale Williams, Richard Owen, Richard Pinker, Paul Taylor, for making this great event happen. Jeanette Smith, Business Support Manager at GB Railfreight, said:
“It goes without saying that we are over the moon with all the effort our staff and their families put in each and every year to raise funds for our nominated charities. This year is no exception, but when the team who ran this charter provided me with the final figure raised on this event, it was mind blowing.
“It is such a motivating and encouraging experience that everyone gets together in their spare time to do this and it does certainly reflect on their commitment to GBRf. Each year we have a target for our charity and this has far exceeded our expectations, so a big thank you to each and everyone involved. We are also pleased that our other staff charters added to this success with additional funds. Well done!”
The good work however has not stopped and in September members of the GBRf team are doing a charity skydive, the Three Peaks Challenge and a 3-day cycle ride in the north of England. To donate simply click here.
Claim your free directory listing and view our advertising rates >