Volunteers raise funds for lifeboat charity at Scarborough station
A group of volunteers from TransPennine Express (TPE) and the RNLI took to Scarborough station over the bank holiday weekend to fundraise for the lifeboat charity.
TPE announced its partnership with RNLI last year, as well as with two other lifeboat charities – St Abbs Lifeboat and Humber Rescue.
The partnerships bring together organisations committed to safety, on land and at sea, and will focus on supporting coastal communities, delivering lifesaving safety messages, and raising vital funds for their work.
The event on Saturday April 4 raised more than £100 as customers donated cash and chatted to volunteers.
RNLI and TPE have also produced a water safety designed to help families and young people travel safely to the train operator’s coastal destinations and understand the importance of water safety which was handed out at Scarborough station.
With the majority of rescues involving visitors travelling from inland areas to the coast, the partnership is a natural extension of the train operator’s role in connecting people to these locations.
Andrew Watkins, Community & Development Manager at TransPennine Express said: “Many of our services connect inland communities to seaside destinations, so there’s a natural link between our role as a train operator and the incredible work these rescue organisations carry out.
“This is about more than just fundraising – it’s about raising awareness of water safety and ensuring our customers have the knowledge to enjoy the coast safely. We’re proud to be working alongside our charity partners to protect lives and support the communities we serve.”
“Volunteers will be out regularly at stations – so look out for them and help us raise money for a good cause.”
The day also aligned with a special Easter train service run by Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership, with a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny - who took the opportunity to meet Stormy Stan, RNLI’s mascot.