West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway have announced that money left on their trains and stations will now be donated to charity.

The train operators have handed over the first donation of money found as lost property on the rail network to Alzheimer’s Society.

Any cash handed in or found by railway staff must be kept for three months to allow the owner to come forward. However, if it remains unclaimed beyond this time, the money will now be going to charity on a monthly basis.

The first donation of £1076.70 has been gifted as part of a year-long partnership in place with Alzheimer’s Society.

What did the officials say?

Francis Thomas, head of corporate affairs for London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway, said:

“Money is one of the most common things that is picked up as lost property on the rail network – and we want to see this unclaimed money going to a worthwhile cause. As we are supporting Alzheimer’s Society as our staff charity of the year, this is a great opportunity give to the charity financially, in addition to the practical support we are offering to those living with dementia. In the future, we would love to be able to support other worthwhile organisations too, so pledging to put this money to good use is an important step.”

Ryan Stanley, Community Fundraiser for Birmingham said:

“We are delighted that money left on trains and in stations operated by London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will now be donated to Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia devastates lives and Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, 70,000 of these people live in the West Midlands. By 2021, one million people will be living with the condition and this will soar to two million by 2051. Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year – that’s one every three minutes.

“The money donated and awareness raised by London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will help Alzheimer’s Society fund research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK’s first dedicated Dementia Research Institute. Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer’s Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through.”

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