c2c has once again highlighted its committed long term support for local charity Gold Geese on International Childhood Cancer Day.

Gold Geese is a small charity based in southeast Essex. They offer support to young children who have been diagnosed with or are living with cancer, including those who are in the process of having treatment or recovering from cancer.

The charity also offers a wide range of bereavement support to the families of children living with cancer, and aid families with hospital transport, food vouchers and respite trips.

Gold Geese also promotes awareness about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.

Back in September 2022 c2c branded a Class 357 electric unit in special Gold Geese livery to promote the charity.

Since then this particular unit no. 357008 has travelled the equivalent of six and a half times around the world accumulating a millage of over 140,000 miles across the c2c network since the livery was applied.

It is estimated that 46 million journeys have been made on this particular train, which has helped raise awareness of the charity to passengers as it travels across south Essex.

On International childhood Cancer Day, c2c have kindly donated a £250 Argosy Toys gift voucher to Gold Geese which they can use to purchase toys for children from a local shop in Westcliff. As well as that staff from c2c have also helped the charity by taking part in serval fundraising events over the last year with more planned for 2024.

Commenting, c2c’s Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: “International Childhood Cancer Day provides a timely reminder to us all of the devastating impact that this cruel disease has on so many young people and families every year. c2c continues to support the fantastic work and support provided by Katie and the team at Gold Geese to the people of South East Essex – our special Gold Geese branded train being just one of our initiatives – and we urge our customers to get onboard and help where they can. Over the past 12 months, c2c colleagues have raised thousands of pounds for Gold Geese by entering mud runs, taking on marathons and hosting charity quiz evenings, and there are lots of exciting fundraising events planned for 2024.”

Katie Southgate, Founder and CEO of Gold Geese, said: “Gold Geese are incredibly grateful for c2c’s support and for the opportunity to reach thousands of people with our mission of childhood cancer awareness. I knew the Gold Train would be a massive hit, but I’ve been bowled over with the attention and love it has received. It’s been a Golden pick me up for long days after work for some and for others, it’s led them to Gold Geese. We’ve received hundreds of photos and videos from people, and it’s given a special moment to a large number of our Gold children who have travelled on it to get to hospital appointments. Even children who have been off treatment for years and are going back for check-ups still feel the love from Gold Geese and get excited when they catch it.”