Rail Aid raises more than half a million pounds for Railway Children

Fundraising efforts by the Railway Children charity, during a weeklong ‘Rail Aid’ series of special virtual events, have realised a total of £550,000.

Rail Aid was organised as “the railway’s answer to Children in Need”, following the cancellation of Railway Children’s live events programme planned for 2020, in light of the pandemic.

The week of activity included an online quiz show hosted by Network Rail Chairman and Rail Aid Ambassador Sir Peter Hendy CBE, a campaign to encourage people to donate the cost of a day’s commute, and a railwayana auction, in the lead-up to an appeal show streamed via YouTube on November 27.

More than 5,300 people watched the Rail Aid Live show and many more contributed via donation or support over the week.

Hendy said: “I cannot thank our industry enough for the part each business, corporation, team and individual played in ensuring that Railway Children can continue their vital work to help children who were already vulnerable and who are now dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on their lives.”

Railway Children Chief Executive Terina Keene added: “We’re amazed, thrilled and above all incredibly grateful to everyone in the railway family for making Rail Aid such a success.

“COVID-19 has affected so many people worldwide and, as a result, children are more vulnerable than ever. Thank you to every single person who did so much to support us. We are extraordinarily grateful to each and every one of you.”

Watch Rail Aid Live and find out more at www.railaid.co.uk.