Training season: train company donates £250 to young runners’ campaign

Back in September, best friends Alfie and Riley (both aged 10) were taking the train to the Junior Great North Run in Newcastle when they caught the attention of CrossCountry train manager Ellen Huey.

After dad Phil wrote to CrossCountry, the young runners received a £250 contribution to their fundraising campaign in support of the Children’s Hospital Charity.

The boys chose to support the charity after Riley’s sister, Imogen, was taken into hospital two years ago.

Last week, Alfie and Riley returned to York station to collect the donation and thank Ellen for her support.

CrossCountry’s Train Manager, Ellen Huey, said: “Being a train manager means doing something different every day, and I’m delighted to have run into Alfie and Riley on their way to the Junior Great North Run back in September.

“Though I can manage a train, I couldn’t manage a run like the boys have – it’s great to celebrate their hard work supporting children’s hospitals in Sheffield and across the country.”

The £250 donation comes from CrossCountry’s North East & Scotland region, which operates long-distance services between Derby and Edinburgh via the North East.

Alfie and Riley said: “Running for Imogen was really important for us because every child deserves to be happy and healthy. We’re so lucky that we can use our love of running to help other people.

“Many thanks to CrossCountry and all of our supporters for their help in supporting our campaign for the Children’s Hospital Charity.”

Sheffield Children’s is one of just three standalone specialist children’s hospitals in the UK, providing the best possible care for children all over Yorkshire, the UK and beyond.

The Children’s Hospital Charity raises vital funds to provide life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.

Marianne Hauer, Community and Events Assistant at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s amazing to see CrossCountry get behind our supporters. We’re so grateful to Alfie and Riley for pushing themselves in support of the Charity. The Children’s Hospital Charity supports Sheffield Children’s Hospital to change the lives of patients and their families, and we couldn’t do this without amazing fundraisers like them.

“CrossCountry’s support of Alfie and Riley’s fundraising is a wonderful example of the how a small connection can me a huge difference. Thank you so much to CrossCountry and the boys, your support will help Sheffield Children’s to go above and beyond for other children like Imogen.”

For more information on how CrossCountry supports local communities, visit the CrossCountry Community Hub at http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/xc-community-hub

• Runners Alfie and Riley and Train Manager Ellen Huey
• Young runners Alfie and Riley

Contact Information

CrossCountry Press Office: [email protected]

About CrossCountry

CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.

For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains