National Express train operator c2c has lent a helping hand to the Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Essex by raising a total of £700 for the charity.
c2c raised the donation by selling an historic train name plate at a recent special event for the ‘Last Blue Train’. This special charter train gave enthusiasts a unique opportunity to travel around the entire c2c rail network, including two depots and a railway sidings, areas a passenger service would not normally travel through. As part of the event passengers also had a rare opportunity to bid for a genuine train nameplate: ‘LTS 150th. 1854 – 2004′.
The lucky individual was railway enthusiast Martin Hazel, who was not only delighted to be the successful bidder, but was also pleased to have helped the Little Havens Children’s Hospice in the process.
c2c also sold two limited edition, signed posters, commemorating the ‘Last Blue Train’ event, to raise further funds for charity.
Little Havens Children’s Hospice is part of Havens Hospices which also includes Fair Havens Hospice. Tanya King, Corporate Fundraiser said, “I am so thankful to c2c for this unique fundraising idea, and for donating £700 to Little Havens which will cost £2.3 million to run this year. As the care we provide is free of charge, kind donations such as the one from c2c helps us to continue caring.”
Little Havens Children’s Hospice provides respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care to children across Essex living with a life-limiting illness and their families.
The c2c ‘Last Blue Train’ excursion took place on Saturday 5 March 2011 and over the course of the day the train (formed of Class 357227) toured all 250 miles of the c2c network – which runs from Fenchurch Street in the City of London, through South Essex to Shoeburyness.
Julian Drury Managing Director of c2c said: “We were overwhelmed with the positive response we received to the ‘Last Blue Train’ event. We not only had a fantastic day out, but we were also delighted to raise funds for such a good cause, as the Little Havens Children’s Hospice does so much to help children and families in the area we serve.”
