TransPennine Express (TPE) has teamed with Cash for Kids’ to aid their Christmas appeal.

The charity based in northern England and Scotland, provides help to children who live in poverty, are suffering from illness, or need additional help in their day-to-day lives, but most importantly their Christmas appeal aims to provide 300,000 Christmas presents for such children, so that no child goes without a present on Christmas day.

In a bid to raise awareness of this appeal TPE has applied Cash for Kids’ Christmas appeal vinals to the side of one of their trains No. 185143.

The vinals on this train show a silhouetted Santa in his sleigh being pulled by his reindeer in front of a full moon over a festive landscape.

It is hoped that as this train runs across the TPE network in the run-up to Christmas and carries several thousands of people, it will encourage passengers to spare some money to donate to the Cash for Kids charity to buy a gift for a disadvantaged child for Christmas.

TransPennine Express also urges colleagues to participate in a special Christmas Jumper Day and contribute to the charity.

Customers can readily support the campaign by buying an additional gift or by providing a monetary donation to Mission Christmas at cashforkids.org.uk/mission.

“We’re delighted to support Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal this year. Our festive train brings the spirit of Christmas to life and serves as a reminder to help those in need.

We hope the festive design encourages our customers to take part in this vital campaign and help make Christmas special for children across the UK.

Customers can keep an eye out for the special festive train while making their journeys.”

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience and Transformation Director at TPE

“Once again as cost-of-living pressures continues to hit families across the UK, we are anticipating a huge level of demand for support. This year-to-date application levels are already over 20% higher than in 2023. 

We are absolutely thrilled to be working with TransPennine Express this year.  The festive train wrap will drive great awareness for Mission Christmas, and we are delighted that staff are also supporting by wearing Christmas jumpers throughout December to support the cause.”

A huge thank you to everyone at TransPennine Express.”

Lauren Baxter, Cash for Kids Partnership Manager

Many Train Operating Companies have taken part in fundraisings for Christmas charity appeals since privatisation began. Just last Christmas the NET supported The Pythian Club, and Network rail hosted a concert at London Bridge for the Railway Benefit Fund.