A new event organised as part of this year’s Rail Aid is looking for participants to join a 15-mile (24 kilometre) walk following the route of the central section of the Elizabeth line. Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee year and the opening of the new railway, the Elizabeth line Rail Trail on Friday October 7th will raise vital funds for the rail industry’s favourite charity, Railway Children. The event has been generously sponsored by SMBC Leasing and is supported by Transport for London (TfL) and Elizabeth line operator MTR Elizabeth line, and will see those taking part walking the stretch of the new line above ground between Woolwich and Paddington.
At every station along the way there’ll be a checkpoint to collect a stamp, and marshals along the route to keep everyone on track. Participants will be given a fold out map with all the walk information and there’ll be a medal waiting for everyone at the finish line.
Gareth Powell, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “The Elizabeth line is already proving to be a transformational part of the transport network, offering more seamless journeys. The Elizabeth line Rail Trail will offer budding walkers of all ages a chance to transform the lives of vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania while seeing some of the spectacular sights of London including nine of the newly built stations.”
Jack Miller, Group Director of Fundraising for Railway Children, said: “We are thrilled to be working with TfL and MTR on the launch of this new event for Rail Aid 2022, which has been generously sponsored by SMBC Leasing. Our wonderful partners within the UK transport network continue to amaze us and it’s fantastic to create such a unique, inclusive fundraising event and celebrate the opening of the Elizabeth line. This is such a good opportunity to raise funds for Railway Children and support the children we work with and can’t wait to see a wave of walkers along the route in October.”
Sign up and step up for vulnerable children
The Elizabeth line Rail Trail is just one of a whole host of events lined up as part of Rail Aid 2022, after the previous two Rail Aids raised a staggering £1,247,000 for Railway Children. First launched in 2020 as a response to Covid restrictions wiping out the organisation’s popular events calendar, it has now become a firm favourite across the industry and this year is set to be no exception. There will be walks, cycle challenges, golf events and much more – keep an eye on the activities as they are announced here www.railaid.co.uk
At a cost of just £20 to register and with a £100 minimum sponsorship pledge, it is hoped the Elizabeth line Rail Trail will raise around £25,000 to help Railway Children reach and protect vulnerable children found on the streets and railways of India, Tanzania and here in the UK.
The walk is suitable for individuals, groups, young and old, friends and colleagues – and every pound raised will genuinely make a difference to children around the world who need our support. Find out more or sign up now at https://railaid.co.uk/elizabeth-line-rail-trail/
