RM selects Railway Children charity for 120th anniversary railtour to Glasgow

THE PROCEEDS of The Railway Magazine’s 120th anniversary railtour will be donated to the Railway Children charity, specifically its UK-based safeguarding on transport programme.

‘The Caledonian’ tour will run from London to Glasgow on October 7.

The safeguarding initiative was launched by Railway Children in close partnership with British Transport Police and the rail industry to make the UK transport system safer for vulnerable children.

The charity supports children who run away from home or are forced to leave due to poverty, violence or neglect.

Suzanne Parsons, business development manager at Railway Children, said: “Every year, 100,000 children under 16 run away, with many using the rail network to escape a range of issues, often putting themselves at great risk.

Key partners

“Our long-term aim is to create a national safety network throughout the UK transport system, with improved rail staff awareness and confidence in how to respond when suspecting a young person is at risk.

“The success of the programme depends on the continued support from key partners that include BTP, the wider rail industry and now
The Railway Magazine.

“Railway Children is delighted to be able to play a part in celebrating its 120th anniversary and greatly appreciates the support from the publication and its readers in helping to improve the protection of vulnerable children in the UK.”

Editor Chris Milner said: “This will be a superb occasion for all involved and couldn’t be for a more deserving cause. It seems fitting that we join forces to help raise awareness and funds to improve safeguarding of children on public transport in the UK.”

For more information on the charity visit:
www.railwaychildren.org.uk.

■ Because all of the Class 50 railtour tickets sold out in just 60 hours, plans for a second railtour are being discussed.

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