The Railway Benefit Fund has announced that they have raised £50,000 to support people working in the rail industry.

Monday 26th of April to Sunday 2nd of May saw the Railway Benefit Funds hold their first ‘Railway Family Week’, aimed to raise funds by people taking part in the 1858 challenge, where participants incorporate the number 1858 into their challenge, eg doing 1858 press-ups.

To mark the occasion, an Avanti West Coast Pendolino, 390155 was named ‘Railway Benefit Fund.’

Over 50 people took part in carrying out a range of challenges. On top of this, around £20,000 has been raised through a silent auction of 33 railway related items.

Set up in 1858, the charity provides people working in the rail industry with support, advice and financial aid.

The £50,000 raised will go towards helping many people in need, changing their lives for the better, especially after over one year of COVID-19 and it’s impacts.

Tim Shoveller, Railway Benefit Fund Chairman and Network Rail‘s North West & Central Region Managing Director, swam 1,858 metres in his local swimming pool. Tim said: “I’m fantastically proud of the success of the first ever Railway Family Week, from everybody who set themselves challenges to those who dug deep into their pockets to sponsor them.

“The RBF’s work makes a huge difference in the most challenging of times – often when people are at their lowest ebb. The whole industry coming together, from train operating companies, suppliers and contractors, for such a worthy cause shows that we truly are a railway family.”

Claire Houghton, CEO of RBF, said: “The support we have received this Railway Family Week has been incredible, and we are delighted to have raised £50,000, allowing us to support even more railway people going through tough times. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and we hope to see them get involved next year as well.”

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