We recently held a thank you event to bring all the incredible sponsors, runners and volunteers together, from this year’s Running the Railways challenge, to celebrate raising an amazing £56,300 as a team!
On Friday 28 February, our Fundraising Officer Alex Rigby successfully completed a monumental 109-mile run across the entire Merseyrail network, raising money for Centre 56.
The evening was a chance for everyone, many of whom had only met briefly during the run, to connect socially, reflect on the journey together and celebrate the power of community support.
Each runner and volunteer received a certificate and medal, proudly presented by the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Billy Hui. Billy has been a strong supporter of Centre 56 since we first met, helping us raise awareness of what we do. It was only fitting that he would lead the medal presentations and celebrate the community that he has helped us build.
The evening was presented by Merseyrail’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Greg Suligowski. Merseyrail Managing Director, Neil Grabham, also delivered a brief speech celebrating Centre 56’s dedication and the collaborative efforts that have enabled their staff to participate in more fundraising than ever before.
As a thank you from Merseyrail Deputy Managing Director, Suzanne Grant, kindly presented Alex with a photo book of the challenge, filled with lovely photos and memories.
At the event we also said a special thank you to Rise Construction Framework, who are so much more than just the headline sponsors of this challenge. They’re long-term supporters Centre 56 and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve helped us achieve so far and for the way they believe in what we do.
A highlight of the evening was announcing the final challenge total of £56,300, a figure that spoke volumes about the generosity and commitment of everyone involved.
How will this fundraising help create futures free from abuse?
Centre 56 Service Manager, Claire Essame, gave a presentation, highlighting the positive impacts of everyone’s fundraising efforts, and how the money was being used to enhance support at the Nursery. Here are a few ways the funds are already making a real difference:
👉 Residential trip to Trafford Hall
Recently, Centre 56 were able to take families to Trafford Hall, giving them the opportunity to have a small holiday, a chance for many of the children to experience something they might not have otherwise.
👉 Garden refresh
We’re excited that work is now underway to refresh the garden at Centre 56, creating a vibrant, sensory space where children can play, relax, and connect with one another.
This wouldn’t have been possible without this fundraising, as we needed to commit match funding to get the project started.
The work is being completed by Garden’s by Peter Lloyd and is expected to be completed in early July – keep your eyes peeled!
A FINAL THANK YOU!
We just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who got involved, supported and donated. We couldn’t have done it without you 💛
