Avanti West Coast is launching a spoof video messaging service fronted by its employees posing as railway-themed fake celebrities to raise money for charity this Christmas.
#FakesOnATrain treats fans to humorous video messages from phoney famous names, with the likes of Trolley Parton, Mel Coach B and Headrest Elba on hand to deliver a special festive treat.
The idea is modelled on popular celebrity video messaging sites, where famous names send bespoke messages to fans on request for a fee.
Avanti West Coast’s version uses fake celebrities played by a selection of the train operator’s employees who volunteered to perform the coveted roles. On request, and with a charitable donation, the fake celebs will record personalised video messages which can be purchased from the inter-city rail operator’s website.
Video messages range from £10-£40, with all proceeds raised going to Avanti West Coast’s charity partner, Action for Children, to assist in their mission to end child poverty. At £10, a message from Trolley Parton could buy a child Christmas lunch.
Avanti West Coast Managing Director, Phil Whittingham said: “With #FakesOnaTrain we wanted add some fun at the end of 2020 and give our customers and their loved ones a laugh this Christmas.
“Who needs A-listers when you can send someone a message from the likes of our very own Trolley Parton or Benedict Quietcoach and raise money for great cause in the process!”
Locks Farmer, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Action for Children, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Avanti West Coast for setting up this brilliant social media campaign to raise funds that will help us make a life changing difference to children across the UK. It’s such a fun idea and we can’t wait to see what some of the ‘celebrities’ get up to!
“For most of us, the festive season is a happy time. But our frontline workers will be helping thousands of children and young people facing one of the most difficult Christmases of their lives, without a hot meal, a present or a safe place to sleep.
“Every penny raised through #FakesOnATrain will support even more of our most vulnerable children and families, not just at Christmas but every day.”
#FakesOnATrain video messages can be purchased on the Avanti West Coast website from 10-20 December.
The full list of fake celebrities includes:
Mel Coach B – £40 (Could buy warm winter clothing for a child)
Trolley Parton – £10 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Benedict Quietcoach – £10 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Headrest Elba – £25 (Could buy a pair of shoes for a child
Ronan Reservedseating – (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Romesh Rangastation – £40 (Could buy warm winter clothing for a child)
Harry Aisles – £10 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Nigella Doorsclosing – £10 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child),
Sir Michael Train – £40 (Could buy a pair of shoes for a child
Tina Tray Table – £25 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
El Tannoy John – £25 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Harry Spotter – £25 (Could buy warm winter clothing for a child)
Holly Windowseat – £10 (could buy Christmas lunch for a child)
Amanda Ticketholder – £25 (Could buy a pair of shoes for a child
Liam Buffetcar -£45 (Could buy a pair of shoes for a child
