Avanti West Coast to bring festive cheer to Carlisle with Christmas Fayre
Avanti West Coast to host festive fundraising event at Carlisle station in aid of local hospice.
- Avanti West Coast to host festive fundraising event for Carlisle community
- Christmas Fayre aims to raise funds for adult and children hospices in Cumbria
- Local businesses, charities, and choir to join day of festivities at Carlisle station
Avanti West Coast is bringing some festive cheer to Carlisle station with a Christmas Fayre in aid of local charities.
On Saturday 9 December, Carlisle station will be transformed into a festive marketplace – with stalls from independent businesses, Christmas-themed children’s activities, and a Santa’s grotto.
The festive fundraiser, which will take place between 9am and 3.30pm, is designed to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice – the nominated charity of the Avanti West Coast team at Carlisle.
Money raised will be split between Eden Valley Hospice – a charity dedicated to providing specialist care for adults in north Cumbria, who have life limiting conditions – and their children’s hospice, Jigsaw.
Bringing together local businesses and charities, the fun-packed day aims to give the community an opportunity to purchase unique Christmas gifts, enjoy sweet treats and festive entertainment, while supporting local causes.
Christmas carols will be performed by the hospice choir – providing a seasonal soundtrack to the event and entertainment to those travelling to and from the station.
The Christmas Fayre is the first fundraising event the Avanti West Coast team have arranged to support their chosen charity. It follows the charity bookshelf on one of the platforms at Carlisle, where people can take a book in return for a donation to the hospice.
Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Carlisle, said: “The team are really proud to be hosting a Christmas Fayre that supports local businesses and will bring some joy to people of all ages in the run up to the festive period, as we want to make a positive difference to the community.
“This unique event is wrapped up in the Christmas spirit and we hope it offers everyone the chance to show their appreciation for local causes that hold a special place in their hearts.
“We look forward to welcoming people to the station for some festive fun while raising vital funds to support the important work of Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.”
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Notes to editors
About Eden Valley Hospice
Eden Valley Hospice is a charity dedicated to providing specialist care for adults in north Cumbria who have life limiting conditions. In addition, we also provide care for their families, friends and carers.
All the care the hospice provides to its patients and their families is free at the point of delivery.
Eden Valley Hospice - Supporting local people
About Jigsaw
Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children Hospice, provides day to day care, support and activities to children and young people from across the county living with life limiting illness. Our care is provided in a home from home setting and each young person’s care is personalised towards their own needs.
Our ethos is to work in partnership with the children and young adults, their family, carers and other professionals.
Jigsaw - Cumbria's Children's Hospice (jigsawhospice.org)
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos are returning to the rails, with a £117m investment that’s delivering best in class comfort. Rebuilt using sustainable materials wherever possible, including tables made from recycled plastic bottles, our upgraded fleet offers 25,000 brand new seats, free Wi-Fi, onboard recycling and much more.
New Hitachi trains are set to replace our Voyager trains from 2024, leading to a 61% cut in carbon emissions. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, the new 23-strong fleet is the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333