The Railway Benefit Fund have reached their £50,000 target for Railway Family Week

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The Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) have achieved their fundraising goal of £50,000 as part of their new event, Railway Family Week. Railway Family Week 2021 was held between 26th April- 2nd May and saw the rail industry come together to show support for the charity and their colleagues in need.

10,000 miles travelled by the RBF Pendolino

Railway Family Week opened with the unveiling of an Avanti West Coast Pendolino named ‘Railway Benefit Fund.’ The Pendolino, number 390155, has already travelled 10,000 miles since the launch and is expected to travel over a quarter of a million miles in the next year. The charity is asking those who spot the train to email in their photos or tweet @RBF1858 using #RBFPendolino.

Over 50 people took part in the 1858 Challenge

In the months leading up to Railway Family Week, individuals and teams across the industry pledged to complete the 1858 Challenge. Over 50 people completed the challenge and the range of activities was incredible. Teams worked together to run, cycle and walk 1,858km collectively; individuals aimed to complete 1,858 squats or press ups; one individual even completed a virtual train marathon as part of his challenge. 

33 prizes donated to our Auction of Experiences

The online Auction of Experiences closed on the Friday of Railway Family Week and saw almost £20,000 raised in bids. Over 30 prizes were kindly donated by organisation and individuals. This included station tours, a cab ride, an Island Line experience, a staycation, walks over the Ribblehead Viaduct and Forth Bridge and even a helicopter ride.

Claire Houghton, CEO of RBF, said: “The support we have received this Railway Family Week has been incredible and we are delighted to have raised £50,000, allowing us to support even more railway people going through tough times. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and we hope to see them get involved next year as well.” Railway Family Week will be back in April 2022 with an even bigger fundraising target and more events. To pledge your support for next year, please email [email protected]

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