We are so happy to announce the incredible fundraising total of £56,300 raised for Centre 56 from this year’s Running the Railways challenge.
On Friday, 28th February, Centre 56’s Fundraising Officer Alex Rigby finally crossed the finish line of his 109-mile ultra marathon after running for 28 gruelling hours. His monumental challenge saw him run to every train station on the Merseyrail Network, setting off from Chester at 3pm, and running through the night, covering all 69 stations across the Wirral, Northern and City Lines, before reaching the finish line at Hunts Cross.
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 – has been incredible. My legs may be sore, but seeing the total raised go beyond £56,000 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 co-ordination 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 £56,000 in just one weekend is an extraordinary achievement that will change lives.”
Alex always goes above and beyond for Centre 56, making time for a kickabout with the children, 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 109 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.”
Centre 56 recently held a thank you event for all the sponsors, runners and volunteers involved in this year’s challenge. 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.
With violence against women and girls at crisis levels in the UK, charities like Centre 56 are more vital than ever.
During the event, 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. Most notably, it has allowed works to start to refresh the garden at Centre 56, creating a vibrant, sensory space where children can play, relax, and connect with one another. The work is being completed by Garden’s by Peter Lloyd and is expected to be completed in early July.
To find out more about Centre 56 and how you can support them, visit their website here: https://centre56.org.uk/
