A CREWE-BASED rail charity have hit a £50,000 fundraising goal after staging an online auction as part of a family week.

Railway Family Week, held between April 26 and May 2 by the Railway Benefit Fund, brought the rail industry come together to show support for the charity and their colleagues in need.

It opened with the unveiling of an Avanti West Coast Pendolino named 'Railway Benefit Fund', while over 50 people took part in the 1858 Challenge and completed a range of activities, including running, walking and cycling to reach a total of 1,858km collectively.

One individual even completed a virtual train marathon as part of his challenge.

Nearly £20,000 was raised from the Auction of Experiences with over 30 prizes kindly donated by organisations and individuals, including station tours, a cab ride, a helicopter ride and walks over the Ribblehead Viaduct and Forth Bridge.

RBF Chief Executive Officer Claire Houghton: "The support we have received this Railway Family Week has been incredible and we are delighted to have raised £50,000, allowing us to support even more railway people going through tough times.

"We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and we hope to see them get involved next year as well."

Railway Family Week will return in April 2022 with the charity, which is based on Nantwich Road, promising an even bigger fundraising target and more events.

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To pledge your support for next year, please email [email protected]