<p>Porterbrook today strengthened its support for Rail Aid 2020, by announcing that CEO Mary Grant would become a Rail Aid Ambassador.</p>
<p>Rail Aid has been launched following 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. </p>
<p>Rail Aid is a response to this unprecedented challenge. It brings together both individuals and businesses from across Britain’s railway to collectively raise funds for industry charity Railway Children.</p>
<p>Joining Mary as Rail Aid Ambassadors are</p>
<ul><li>Andy Byford, Commissioner, TfL</li><li>Dyan Crowther, Chief Executive Officer, HS1</li><li>Lisa Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, Worldline UK&I</li><li>Mark Thurston, Chief Executive Officer, HS2</li><li>Paul Plummer, Chief Executive Officer, RDG</li><li>Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman, Network Rail, and</li><li>Susan Cooklin, Route Services Director, Network Rail</li></ul>
<p><br>Rail Aid Ambassador and Porterbrook CEO, Mary Grant said: “Porterbrook has supported the Railway Children over many years, not just through the Railway Ball but also through our headline sponsorship of the annual ‘Three Peaks Challenge by Rail’, which sadly had to be postponed this year.</p>
<p>“So I am really pleased that Porterbrook is able to support Rail Aid and that I can play my own part as an Ambassador for this very worthwhile initiative. By participating in Rail Aid we can all make a difference to a wonderful charity that really does transform lives.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Anyone wishing to get involved can find out more at <a href="http://www.railaid.co.uk">www.railaid.co.uk</a></p><figure><iframe style="width: 500px; height: 281px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EnSX3lYQDT8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>