Chiltern Railways holds Railway Children Sleepout at London Marylebone Station
Chiltern Railways’ colleagues took part in an overnight sleepout at London Marylebone Station yesterday (Thursday 27 February) to raise crucial funds for the charity Railway Children.
Railway Children’s Big Station Sleepout involves railway colleagues, friends and family taking on the challenge of sleeping out on a cold, hard railway station floor for just one night.
By signing up, participants committed to raising at least £100 for Railway Children’s crucial cause, supporting vulnerable children in the UK, Tanzania and India.
As part of this year’s sleepout at London Marylebone Station, 13 Chiltern colleagues raised over £5,000 (with donations still open). Money raised goes towards protecting children when they are most at risk, so children don’t just survive but thrive.
Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:
“Railway Children is a charity close to my heart and I am keen that we support their crucial work. The sleepout is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events of the year and I am proud that Chiltern colleagues took part at London Marylebone Station this year.
“I joined Railway Children as a Trustee in 2024 and the charity makes a huge difference to so many children’s lives. We had a great team spirit during the event and whilst we woke early and a bit tired, we are thrilled to have raised more than £5,000 so far.”
Rob Capener, Chief Executive Officer of Railway Children, said:
“Our sleepout always has a brilliant atmosphere and we’re hoping this year’s event will have a big impact with the help of our supporters and the rail community. Working closely with the British Transport Police, we know that hundreds of vulnerable young people are identified on the UK rail network every day.
“Many are running away from difficult situations at home, being groomed by abusers or exploited by county lines gangs. The challenges children and young people face are more prevalent than ever with increasing levels of poverty, exploitation and mental health.
“The sleepout event is a great way to raise vital funds for our programmes that help us reach children in need of urgent support while increasing awareness of our work with thousands of people who use the transport system every day. Thank you to Chiltern for hosting London Marylebone’s first sleepout event.”
Railway Children works closely with British Transport Police and holds a variety of events each year. The charity also hosts a youth platform, offering advice on a range of issues to help young people build a brighter future.
Chiltern Railways is a regular supporter of Railway Children. To find out more information and donate, visit here.
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Notes to editors
- Chiltern Railways is part of the Arriva group, one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing around 38,000 people and delivering around 1.5 billion passenger journeys across 10 European countries.
- Chiltern operates commuter/regional rail passenger services from its Central London terminus at London Marylebone along the M40 corridor to destinations in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, as well as long-distance services to the West Midlands along two routes. Services on the Chiltern Main Line run from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford, with some peak-hour services to Stourbridge Junction.
- Chiltern also runs trains on the London to Aylesbury Line to Aylesbury (with some trains terminating at Aylesbury Vale Parkway instead), on the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury and Oxford to Bicester branch lines.