‘I’m very proud of how everyone has come together to support this important fundraiser’
Some of the Hull Trains team who will be taking on the challenge pictured as the Hull Trains Jean Bishop ‘The Bee Lady Day’ train passes them(Image: Hull Trains)
It’s full steam ahead for a group of intrepid Hull Trains colleagues who are taking on a unique challenge to raise money for the rail operator’s charity of the year. Team members will be walking the company’s full route – more than 150 miles from Hull Paragon Station to London King’s Cross – completing the distance with different colleagues walking portions of the route over several weeks, starting from this Saturday, June 13.
The staff members with Hull Trains, which serves destinations including Brough, Howden, Selby, Doncaster, Retford and Grantham, are lacing up their trainers for the rugged relay to boost the coffers of its chosen charity of the year, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery. P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery is a Hull-based organisation that supports people across the Humber region affected by Acquired Brain Injury. The charity makes a life-changing difference within the local community, offering support, guidance and education to help survivors and their families rediscover their potential.
In 2012, Paul Spence, the charity’s founder, was the victim of an unprovoked attack and suffered a brain haemorrhage. Following his discharge from a high dependency unit, Paul and his family faced a long and challenging recovery journey. It was this experience that led him to set up the charity to help others facing similar circumstances.
The fundraising challenge is being organised by Hull Trains driver Kelly Todd, who said: “I’m very proud of how everyone has come together to support this important fundraiser. This charity has a special place in our hearts, as it supported our former colleague, Garry Varney. We want to honour his memory and give back to those who helped him.”
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Hull Trains launched its official charity partnership with P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery last year, with the organisation’s logo proudly displayed on one of the operator’s innovative trains. Customers also have the option to choose to donate their Delay Repay funds to the charity.
Deborah Birch, Head of HR at Hull Trains, added: “It’s a real pleasure to support the wonderful team at P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery. The upcoming charity walk is an example of the community spirit that we have here at Hull Trains, with a team largely from the local area. I can’t wait to see our dedicated team raise plenty of vital cash for the charity.”
Paul Spence, the charity’s CEO and Founder, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Hull Trains for choosing us as their charity of the year and for organising this amazing fundraising challenge. Support from this reputable local company will enable us to reach even more people across the region, so we can empower them to live life better after brain injury and make recovery count.
“We’re really looking forward to watching the team’s progress along the route over the coming weeks, and will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
You can make a donation to the fundraising challenge at the Just Giving page here, and you can follow the progress of the team on the Hull Trains social media channels.
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