VGT Rail UK, who are the country’s largest rail wagon leaser, have selected West Midlands Acorns Children Hospice as its charity of the year.

Eight members of their team flew on a zip wire over the Wales countryside to kick off its fundraising efforts.

The group soared at Velocity 2 at Zipworld over Penrhyn Quarry which raised £2,200 for the charity.

Acorn has three hospices across Birmingham, Worcester and Walsall and works to support families and the community.

Colin Denman, Managing Director of VTG Rail UK, said: “I’m very proud of all my colleagues who took part in the zip wire challenge, which marked the beginning of our year of fundraising efforts for our chosen charity, the Acorn Children’s Hospice. This is a fantastic charity which provides a network of specialist palliative nursing care and support for babies, children and young people under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, as well as providing support to their families.

“I’d like to thank all our families, friends, customers and suppliers who sponsored our zip wire team enabling us to raise these funds for Acorns.”

Emma Harewood, Partnerships Fundraising Officer at Acorns, said: “We wouldn’t be able to carry out our vital work without the generosity of local businesses and the community. In the past year we have cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. It costs us £27,000 every day to provide our services, the bulk of which comes from fundraising. So, we are extremely grateful to VTG Rail UK for choosing to support our charity.”