A Rail Aid event this year is looking for people to join a 15 mile walk following the Elizabeth line.

The Elizabeth line Rail Trail, which celebrates the Platinum Jubilee year and the opening of the railway, will be held on Friday 7th October to help raise funds for the Railway Children charity.

SMBC Leasing has sponsored the event and is further supported by Transport For London and Elizabeth line operator MTR Elizabeth line.

Those taking part in the event will walk the stretch of the new line above ground between Woolwich and Paddington.

Marshals will be in place along the route to keep people on track, and checkpoints will be placed for people to collect a stamp along the way. Those walking the stretch will be provided with a map with all the route information on and will be awarded a medal at the finish line.

The walk is suitable for a range of people with every pound raised going towards helping children around the world. Those interested can find out more and sign up at https://railaid.co.uk/elizabeth-line-rail-trail/

Gareth Powell, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “The Elizabeth line is already proving to be a transformational part of the transport network, offering more seamless journeys. The Elizabeth line Rail Trail will offer budding walkers of all ages a chance to transform the lives of vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania while seeing some of the spectacular sights of London including nine of the newly built stations.”

Jack Miller, Group Director of Fundraising for Railway Children, said: “We are thrilled to be working with TfL and MTR on the launch of this new event for Rail Aid 2022, which has been generously sponsored by SMBC Leasing. Our wonderful partners within the UK transport network continue to amaze us and it’s fantastic to create such a unique, inclusive fundraising event and celebrate the opening of the Elizabeth line. This is such a good opportunity to raise funds for Railway Children and support the children we work with and can’t wait to see a wave of walkers along the route in October.”