Industry leaders and businesses from across Britain’s railway have committed to collectively fundraise for Railway Children under the Rail Aid banner.

Rail Aid is being launched in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak which has made Railway Children’s work with vulnerable young people even more vital. At the same time, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser the Railway Ball.

Rail Aid, dubbed ‘the railway’s answer to Children In Need’, invites every part of the railway to fundraise in support of the vital life-saving work of Railway Children.

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, announced his backing of Rail Aid and said:

“Our railways have always been at the heart of our society. The whole industry has worked tirelessly to keep the country moving during this pandemic, and it’s great to see the railway family continuing its support of those affected by Covid-19, especially vulnerable young people.

“I have never been more impressed with the work that this industry does and Rail Aid is a fantastic way to help change lives for the better.”

As well as individual businesses across the industry supporting the initiative, leading rail bodies have also signed-up to support Rail Aid including: Network Rail, Transport for London, the Rail Delivery Group, the Rail Freight Group, the Rail Supply Group, the Railway Industry Association, the Rail Forum.

Rail Aid will culminate in a live broadcast at the end of November. The online programme will showcase the very best efforts and fundraising achievements from across the industry, as well as featuring some of the most popular faces in rail.

While people are being invited to carry out and film their own fundraising initiatives, Rail Aid and Railway Children are also encouraging people to get involved in the activities they are coordinating themselves.

Commenting on the launch of Rail Aid, Terina Keene, chief executive of Railway Children, said:

“So many people have been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19 and that means children, both in the UK and overseas, are even more vulnerable to finding themselves on the street and in need of our support. The railway family has played such a key role during a time of national emergency and I know there will be many people who are ready to have some fun in the name of supporting this excellent cause. We’re so sad to have had to cancel this year’s Railway Ball but Rail Aid, the rail industry’s answer to Children In Need, will be a more than worthy replacement.”

People wishing to get involved can find out more at www.railaid.co.uk