Railway employees raise money for local hospice

Southern Railway employees raised more than £2,000 for the Martlets Hospice during their 2013 Charity Week.

The Martlets  was chosen as one of their charities this year, via a poll of their staff, and they will be fundraising for the Hospice throughout the year.

During their Charity Week staff cycled 414 miles or the total length of Southern Railway track on static bikes at East Croydon station. They tested their general knowledge at a quiz, held a cake and handbag sale and posed for caricatures all to raise funds.

Southern Railway also donated 10p for every train that arrived on time during the week and will donate £1 from every season ticket which is bought online during the year to their chosen charities.

Elizabeth Baxter, from Martlets Hospice, said:

“We are delighted to be one of Southern Railway’s chosen charities this year and the support and enthusiasm of their staff has been tremendous.   Staff gave up their lunch breaks to cycle many miles for the Hospice and worked so hard during their Charity Week to raise such an amazing amount of money.  The total raised will pay for 17 days of care by a Martlets Hospice at Home nurse so Southern Railway’s support will help many patients over the course of the year”

Andy Harrowell, from Southern Rail, added:

“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support the Martlets Hospice with this donation. Everyone at the Hospice works extremely hard to help and support individuals in need and we are pleased to help them in the work they do. Charities week was a fantastic effort by our staff and passengers, who worked hard to help organise activities and dug deep to raise the money in a number of ways. We thank everyone who got involved to help us make our Charities Week such a success.”

The Martlets Hospice in Hove provides end of life care services to adults with terminal illness including cancer.

For more information, CLICK HERE: