Manchester-based Virgin Trains’ drivers have come up with the idea of organising an event that would combine a passion for the railways with a desire to make a difference for a very worthwhile cause.
The steam-hauled Train of Hope will run on 1 October 2011 from Crewe to Carlisle over the Cumbrian fells and return on the scenic Settle and Carlisle line.
The historical train is formed of luxurious first class coaches and hauled by Scots Guardsman, a steam locomotive built in 1927.
All money raised by the event will go to Virgin Trains’ charity partner CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.
Steam train journeys are always popular but this one really has the x-factor. The train will be waved off at Crewe at 09:00 by a brass band and pop impresario and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman, and met in Carlisle by a piper and the Mayor and Mayoress of Carlisle.
Whilst onboard, passengers will be invited to indulge in a full English breakfast on the outward journey and a five course dinner, including complimentary wines and refreshments, on the return.
Ticket holders travelling on the Train of Hope will be able to travel First Class by Virgin Trains to and from Crewe on the day at no extra cost.
A selection of fantastic prizes will be raffled on the train exclusively for Train of Hope customers.
Train of Hope tickets are available for £179 for adults, which includes breakfast, a five course dinner with complimentary wine and return Virgin Trains First Class tickets to and from Crewe on the day. The cost for children is £119.
While the rail tour and on-train auction is the headline event, the organising team is running a raffle and auctioning items on eBay.
These include exclusive items offered by the railway industry such as a day on highly realistic driver simulators, two Standard Class tickets to New York and an overnight stay for two at Lucknam Park Spa and Hotel in Bath.
Another very special item, available exclusively to the appeal, is a commissioned painting by John Cowley, who is a member of the Guild of Railway Artists.
The scene, set in the Second World War, depicts children being evacuated waiting to board their train at Crewe station. Both the original oil painting and a series of signed limited edition prints will be sold to raise funds for CLIC Sargent.
Details on booking arrangements as well as information on buying raffle tickets are available on the website.
