Avanti West Coast colleagues trek Mount Kilimanjaro for charity

• Group of employees complete challenging climb up Africa’s highest peak
  
• Week-long trek raises almost £50,000 for Railway Children
  
• Funds will support vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania

A group of Avanti West Coast employees have conquered the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a week-long trek for charity.

The team of eight switched the tracks of the West Coast Main Line for the rocky terrain of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Railway Children – a UK-based charity that help children and young people experiencing homelessness in and around railway stations in the UK, India and Tanzania.

Taking on the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, the group trekked a total of 69 kilometres across seven days through a range of challenging landscapes, including tropical rainforest, moorland, and scree to reach the summit, which is 5,895 metres above sea level.  

During the trip, Avanti West Coast employees also visited a project by Railway Children in Mwanza, Tanzania, to see first-hand the positive impact their fundraising will make.

They met volunteers who provide temporary alternative family-based care through the Fit Person programme – a government initiative that supports some of the country’s most vulnerable children and is funded by the charity.

The group who took on the fundraising challenge included Tanzeelah Ahmed, Onboard Customer Service Assistant; Craig Fletcher, Deputy Head of Drivers; Zoe Flannagan, Employee Experience and Wellbeing Co-ordinator; Lucy Pritchard, Senior Social Media Executive; Nicola Hague, Customer Experience Strategy Manager; Phil Gutteridge, Onboard Customer Service Assistant and Onboard Managers, Phil Saunders and Matthew Macaskill.

They were joined by four rail industry colleagues and have collectively raised nearly £50,000 for Railway Children.

The money will enable the charity’s work to support children and families in India, Tanzania and the UK. £50,000 can help towards the set up of over 20 Child Help Desks at bus stations in Tanzania, which identify and offer guidance to young people who arrive at transport hubs vulnerable and alone. Alternatively, it could fund Railway Children’s project in the UK for over three weeks – helping to ensure the safety of children who may be at risk whilst travelling on the rail network.

Speaking after completing the trip, Lucy Pritchard said: “Climbing Kilimanjaro has always been something I’ve wanted to challenge myself with, and I’m so pleased I was able to live out that dream whilst raising money for Railway Children.

“We were lucky enough to see the positive difference the charity has made to local communities. It was incredible to meet some of the families whose lives have changed because of Railway Children. Hearing their stories and spending time with them was deeply moving.

“The trek itself was gruelling at times and the hardest thing I’ve ever done but an incredible challenge to have completed. The whole trip was a once in a lifetime experience and memories were made that we will all cherish forever.”

Cat Howourth, Events Manager at Railway Children said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this exceptional team. Their Kilimanjaro climb represents the very best of what we can accomplish when we work together – they didn’t just climb a mountain during this trip – they raised an exceptional amount of money to help protect vulnerable children.

“Their strength, spirit, and fundraising success makes us all at Railway Children immensely proud. The significant funds they’ve raised will help transform young lives – providing safety, support, and the chance to build a brighter future.”

ENDS