A rail charter event to mark the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station in Selby has raised more than £30,000 for Martin House, a charity that provides hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Three train services for passengers ran around the Drax Power Station Loop, a route normally restricted to freight trains moving biomass fuel.
Passengers were given the opportunity to ride onboard the special service, with each train using a different route around the power station and all profits from the event donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax said: “We are proud to partner with all of the main freight operators and the Branch Line Society for this historic charter rail event, to mark the Golden Anniversary of Drax Power Station.
“The weekend’s tours raised much needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, a charity that is close to our hearts at Drax. Every year Martin House cares for more than 440 children and their families, as well as around 150 bereaved families, and events such as this allow them to continue their vital work in local communities.”
Michelle Ford, Regional Fundraising Team Manager at Martin House Children’s Hospice said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support f these organisations, which helps us to make a difference to the lives of so many children, young people and their families when they need us most. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this brilliant event possible, it means so much to all of us.”
The rail day was made possible through collaboration involving DB Cargo, GB Railfreight, Freightliner Heavy Haul, and the Branch Line Society.
