Three major fundraising events involving rail industry staff have raised more than £130,000 for the charity Railway Children. The charity will use the money to keep up its work protecting vulnerable children and young people on transport networks in the UK, India and Tanzania.

The three events were a golf day, a cycling challenge, and a cross-London walk. The three fundraising initiatives are now regular annual events in the railway industry’s calendar.

Railway Children Golf Day

On Thursday 25 September, the fifth annual Railway Children Golf Day at Hanbury Manor, Hertfordshire, raised over £20,000.

The event was led by long-time supporter Andy Ridout. Participants played an 18-hole round, which included a ‘Beat the Pro’ challenge with professional golfer Harry Goddard.

The round of golf was followed by an evening dinner, which featured a speech by RIA Chair Noel Travers and after-dinner entertainment from former England rugby international Kyran Bracken.

The annual Golf Day has now raised a total of more than £100,000.

Ride the Route

September’s ‘Ride the Route’ cycling challenge saw 60 riders complete a three-day journey from Liverpool to Darlington via Scarborough, with support from a crew of eight volunteers, raising £74,000 for the charity.

Ride the Route is now in its fourth year, and plans are already underway for the 2026 challenge. Last year’s Route followed the West Coast Mainline from Glasgow to Manchester.

Rail Trail

The Rail Trail is a walking challenge that took place for the fourth time this year.

170 participants (and three dogs) walked the overground route of London Underground’s Central line, raising £40,000 for the Railway Children.

Walkers chose one of three routes: the 10km Sidetrack, 20km Branch Line, and the 52km Main Line, with twenty walkers opting for the full line distance from Ealing Broadway to Epping.

In 2023’s Rail Trail, fundraisers walked the route of the Metropolitan line.

“Once again, the rail industry has demonstrated exceptional generosity, teamwork, and
commitment. These events not only raise vital funds but also highlight the collective power of
our sector to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children. We are extremely
grateful to every organisation and individual who took part or supported these initiatives.”

Jack Miller, Group Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Railway Children