An Avanti West Coast Pendolino has been named ‘Railway Benefit Fund’ to mark the start of the week of fundraising.

Pete Waterman, the Railway Benefit Fund’s president and record producer, has joined a small number of guests including attendees from Network Rail, Alstom and other train operating companies at a ceremony at Liverpool Lime Street.

The new name was unveiled as part of the drive to kickstart Railway Family Week that hopes to raise £50,000 for good causes.

Pendolino  No. 390155 is expected to travel over 250,000 miles in the next year to help promote the charity.

“It’s a real privilege for the Railway Benefit Fund to be recognised in this way,” enthused Pete Waterman. “The Pendolino is such an iconic train and we can’t thank Avanti West Coast enough for their support. It’s been a tough year for everyone, especially charities, so this week is all about raising money to fund the great work the Railway Benefit Fund does to support railway families up and down the country.”

“We’re extremely proud that one of our Pendolino trains will bear the name ‘Railway Benefit Fund,” said Phil Whittingham, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast.

“The charity has been supporting our people and the wider industry for over 160 years and we couldn’t think of a better way to show our support for the Railway Family Week.”

Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region and Railway Benefit Fund chairman, said: “The past year has been tough for so many people, including our railway family who’ve worked tirelessly to ensure key workers and millions of tonnes of critical goods (like medicine and food) can continue to travel across the country.

“This event is a great way to kick off Railway Family Week. Colleagues across the industry have been using the charity’s founding year, 1858, to complete challenges to help raise £50,000 so the RBF can continue supporting those in need. I’ll be completing my challenge this week by swimming 1858m non-stop.”

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