Almost £3m raised for SOS appeals as public dig deep

PRESERVED railways across the length and breadth ofthe country have been left heartened and humbled by the overwhelming pledges of financial support that have come forward during the coronavirus crisis.

As reported in RM's May issue, in excess of 50 heritage lines have been running various forms of 'Fight Back Funds; 'SOS' and 'Crisis' appeals, or general appeals for donations since before the lockdown started in some cases.

Many have taken advantage of social media platforms such as Facebook to keep appeals in the public eye, while others have attracted the attention of the local and national press, and even television.

The range of offerings put forward has often been both innovative and inspiring, from the Fairbourne Railway selling handmade protective face masks, to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway auctioning dining and footplate experience sessions with Paul 'Piglet' Middleton and general manager Chris Price.

'Virtual' value

The Severn Valley Railway has launched a share offer, which together with its donations appeal has netted more than £680,000, while other lines have run online auctions, Adopt an Engine schemes or sold 'virtual' experiences and tickets of the equivalent value that a member of the public might spend during a day out at a railway.

Using updates published by the railways themselves or through making direct contact

The RM amassed a list of totals to date (late May) for almost all of the known appeals, which when added together came to a staggering £2,919,900.

This figure is by no means complete and does not include every appeal, so the combined total is likely to be well in excess if£3million.

Heritage Railway Association vice-chairman Chris Price said: ''There is no doubt that all those involved with heritage railways should take heart from the fact that the British people have once again underlined their love of railways.

"While there is no doubt that my fellow enthusiasts have dug deep, we should also note that this has by no means been the case exclusively. The donations have come from the whole demographic spectrum and will make a real difference.

'We are all under pressure with many unknowns in front of us, but at least we know there are many people willing us to get through this, and I have no doubt that to a soul we will do our best to do so:'

A number of individuals have also actively raised funds to help their our railways. Martin Creese of 30742 Charters had raised more than £5,200 by mid-May.