Flying Banana charity rail tour raises £30k for charity
A charity railtour on 1 June 2019, called The Flying Banana, has raised £30,000 for FirstGroup’s charity partner, Action for Children.
The HST farewell railtour attracted hundreds of High Speed Train enthusiasts as it travelled around the GWR network. Operated by the very first and very last production locomotives made, 43002 and 43198, the train travelled nearly 900 miles calling at Bristol, Carmarthen, Cardiff, Gloucester, Swindon, Reading, Paddington and Plymouth.
GWR Deputy Managing Director Matthew Golton said:
“The High Speed Train has been a favourite of rail enthusiasts for many years and this charity railtour was a great way for them to have a final trip, raising thousands in the process.”
Ermelinda Ceci of Action for Children said:
“We are incredibly grateful to GWR colleagues and customers for their fantastic support of Action for Children through the charity railtour last month. All of the funds raised through this activity will ensure we can continue to provide essential mental health support to children and families who desperately need our help.
The cheque was presented at the opening of a unique exhibition of nameplates at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway on 17 July 2019.
Notes to editors
Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.
We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.
HOW ACTION FOR CHILDREN WORKS: For 150 years Action for Children has been helping disadvantaged children across the UK through intervening early to stop neglect and abuse, fostering and adoption, supporting disabled children, and by campaigning tirelessly to make life better for children and families. With over 550 services the charity improves the lives of more than 300,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. actionforchildren.org.uk