Everyone at Centre 56 is absolutely delighted to celebrate some truly wonderful news! Our colleague and friend, Alex Rigby, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.
This honour recognises Alex’s incredible dedication to supporting families affected by domestic abuse through his Running the Railways fundraising challenges. Across 2024 and 2025, Alex raised more than £80,000 for Centre 56, an achievement that has had a profound impact on the families and children we support.
Our Executive Director, Lesley Burrows, captured how we all feel:
“Alex has this amazing ability to unite and inspire people and we’re so grateful to have him in our team at Centre 56. Through Running the Railways, Alex introduced Centre 56 to communities across the city region who absolutely embraced us.
The legacy of that event continues to have a positive impact for our families and will do so for many years to come. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved and to see him receive this recognition.”
Alex’s passion for our mission shines through in everything he does. His fundraising has helped us continue providing safe childcare, specialist support and a lifeline for families rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.
When Alex learned of his honour, he said:
“I was so shocked when I got the letter and it’s taken a while to sink in. Centre 56 means a lot to me, I’m proud of the incredible work that Centre 56 does to support families that rely on us and it’s great to see the amazing impact people’s donations make every day. Running the Railways was one of the hardest and best things I’ve ever done, but I never imagined it would be recognised like this! I’m grateful to everyone who supported us, ran with us and donated and I’d really like to share this honour with them.”
And the journey continues. At the end of June, Alex will lead Running the Railways 2026: On the Hour: a 24‑hour relay challenge covering 120km and aiming to raise at least £1,000 every hour.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Alex recognised in this way. What he’s achieved through Running the Railways is nothing short of inspiring.
He’s shown what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose, and the difference partnerships like this can make for our communities. The funds raised will have a lasting impact for families supported by Centre 56, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Alex, and we’re so grateful for the hope, energy and compassion he brings to Centre 56 every day.
For more information about Running the Railways please click here > https://bit.ly/RunTheRails3