The birth of the modern railway
This year marks 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27 September 1825, revolutionising Britain – and the world.
To celebrate the launch of the first railway, Great British Railways are partnering with other organisations to deliver nationwide celebrations all year long, including:
- an exhibition train and activity
- community and heritage events
- commemorative items
- merchandise and much more!
As one of five charity partners, we’re proud to help preserve the memory of how the modern railway came to be and celebrate the ways it’s changed the world by connecting people, goods, and ideas.
Together with Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Mission, Railway Benefit Fund and the Transport Benevolent Fund, we aim to raise at least £200,000 to mark this historic occasion.
Celebrating our founder, David Maidment
Reminiscing about the birth of the railway makes us think about our own origins, which we owe to the incredible David Maidment.
David was doing consultancy work in Bombay (modern-day Mumbai) when he saw a young girl being exploited on the railway. Horrified, he couldn’t move on from what he’d witnessed.
After getting involved with children’s charities to see how he could help, David found a gap in support – there were no support structures targeting the first few hours after a child runs away, when they’re most vulnerable to being picked up by someone who will exploit or abuse them.
So David founded Railway Children in 1995. We’ve since protected thousands of children across transport networks in India, Tanzania and the UK, giving them the crucial help they need.
Making the UK’s railways safer
For the past 30 years, Railway Children has worked hard to make the UK’s railways safer.
Children who run away from difficult situations at home, such as poverty, abuse or neglect, often use train stations to escape.
And for all the great opportunities railways have brought us, they’re also an avenue for criminal activities like county lines, which often exploit vulnerable children with promises of money, shelter and ironically, safety.
That’s why we’ve been mobilising communities to ensure safeguarding is a priority across our stations and trains, working with British Transport Police and rail companies so that no child slips through the cracks.
Thanks to our supporters and fundraising partners, we can continue to prevent exploitation before it happens, and help those young people involved in dangerous situations to get out, get help and look forward to a brighter future.
BCIMO Family Day
Head over to the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley, West Midlands, on 17 May for a fun Family Day with fairground rides and attractions, music and entertainment, and food and drink.
All profits from the event will go to us and four other charities: The Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Railway Benefit Fund, Young Lives vs. Cancer.
Get involved with Railway Children
We love our railways – we want them to be safe places for everyone. Help us make that dream a reality.
If you’re thinking of incorporating fundraising into a Railway 200 event, get in touch and let’s chat about raising funds together for children in need: corporate@railwaychildren.org.uk