Spring support for Railway Children
09 Feb 2010
Now in its 15th year, support for the rail industry's charity, the Railway Children, powers ahead this spring with record numbers coming forward this year to take part in a broad range of fund raising exercises. Challenges include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cycling from London to Paris and various runs like the Virgin London Marathon and the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
Says Katie Mason, ‘Despite the recession we are actually doing very well. The Railway Children had a few boosts last year including the Slumdog Millionaire film. Tesco donated £1 for every DVD of the film sold during the first two weeks of its release.
'We have enjoyed growing corporate support. The Channel Four Dispatches film about life in the slums of Mumbai appalled British viewers with its scenes of poverty and destitution. It featured the work of the Railway Children which has also resulted in people contacting us and pledging regular donations.'
Katie herself will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro together with a sizeable team including RailStaff production design manager, Adam O'Connor, and avid readers like Arthur Leathley and David and Johanna Franks.
Adds Katie, ‘It is an uncomfortable fact that there are hundreds of children like Salaam and Deepa (seen in the Dispatches film) who need your care, support and intervention. The Railway Children gets to street kids before the streets get to them. We are very grateful for everyone who is taking an interest and supporting the Railway Children.'
Asif Ahmed, Paul O'Connor and Pat Tollar, all part of the team at RailStaff, also plan to take part in the Railway Children's London to Paris 200 mile sponsored cycle ride this August.