After 27 gruelling hours, our Fundraising Officer Alex Rigby finally crossed the finish line of his 107-mile ultra marathon. His monumental challenge saw him run to every train station on the Merseyrail Network, having raised over £40,000 so far, with the total continuing to rise.
Setting off from Chester at 3pm on Friday, 28th February, Alex ran through the night, covering all 69 stations across the Wirral and Northern Lines, including Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton, Headbolt Lane, Ormskirk, and Southport, before reaching the finish line at Hunts Cross. Alex was greeted a good crowd who gathered at the station to cheer him home.
Reflecting on his achievement, Alex said:
“This was by far the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced, but knowing the difference it will make for families supported by Centre 56 kept me going. The generosity and support from everyone—runners, Merseyrail staff, and the wider community—have been incredible. My legs may be sore, but seeing the total raised go beyond £40,000 makes it all worthwhile. These funds will help ensure families in crisis have food in their cupboards, money on the meter, and a safe place to turn to when they need it most.”
Throughout his journey, hundreds of local runners, friends, and family joined him in solidarity. More than 40 Merseyrail staff, including Managing Director Neil Grabham and Deputy Managing Director Suzanne Grant, also took part.
With support from Network Rail, Alex was granted a rare opportunity to walk safely through the single-bore Victorian tunnel between Hamilton Square and James Street at 1am, an essential part of completing his full route. This section of the challenge, usually inaccessible to all, required careful coordination with Network Rail to ensure it could be undertaken safely.
Merseyrail Managing Director Neil Grabham praised Alex’s remarkable achievement:
“Alex’s determination and endurance have been nothing short of inspirational. The whole Merseyrail team is incredibly proud to have been part of this challenge, running alongside him and helping to raise awareness for Centre 56. Our Charity of the Year programme has raised over £1 million for good causes, and supporting Alex in this incredible feat has been one of the highlights. To raise over £40,000 in just one weekend is an extraordinary achievement that will change lives.”
With violence against women and girls at crisis levels in the UK, charities like Centre 56 are more vital than ever. Long-term supporters of the charity, Rise Construction Framework stepped up as the official challenge partner, running the final leg alongside Alex. Rise’s Managing Director, Sara Lawton said:
“Supporting Alex and Centre 56 with this challenge for a second year has been unbelievable! Running those last few miles and seeing Alex’s unwavering resolve to get to the finish line for the families supported by Centre 56 was so inspiring. As a long-term supporter of Centre 56, we know that all the money raised will have such an incredible impact and help create so many futures free from abuse. It’s been an absolute joy to be the challenge partner and well done to everyone that took part!”
Alex always goes above and beyond for us in the nursery, making time for a kickabout with the kids, having a brew with the parents and supporting his colleagues every day.
Paula Graves, Nursery Support Manager at Centre 56, expressed her gratitude for Alex’s efforts:
“What Alex has achieved is beyond incredible. Running 107 miles is no small feat, but he has done it with such heart and determination to support the children and families who need us most. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have donated, and we urge anyone who can to keep supporting this vital cause. Every pound raised makes a difference.”
Donations are still open, and support continues to pour in. To contribute to Alex’s fundraising efforts, visit Centre 56’s website.
