A fundraiser has been named Sefton’s Charity Champion of the Year after raising more than £27,000 after completing a challenge of running to 37 different Merseyrail train stations in a single day.
In February, Alex Rigby called into every station on the Merseyrail Northern Line, covering an amazing 56 miles in just 11 hours.
Alex has now won the Sefton Charity Champion of the Year title at the 2024 Pride of Sefton Awards. Through his efforts, he was able to raise £27,004.29 for Centre 56, a charity that offers specialised nursery care to children between the ages of 2 and 12 who have been victims of domestic abuse or crisis situations.
Beginning at Hunts Cross station, Alex ran through the heart of South Liverpool, up through Sefton, past Southport, and on to Ormsirk, Maghull, Kirkby, Walton, and Kirkdale.
Alex, who lives in Bootle, said:
“I wanted to do a challenge that was unique. I was getting the train one day and started wondering how long it would take to run to all the stations.
“I’m delighted that along the way we’ve been able to build this relationship with Merseyrail, who have been a fantastic support.”
Along the route, Alex received support from friends and colleagues, as well as representatives from local businesses who participated in a relay run.
Senior Train Driver, Mark Scott from Merseyrail also took part.
Sally Ralston BEM, Community Involvement Manager at Merseyrail, said:
“We’re all delighted that Alex has received this recognition from the Pride of Sefton Awards. He has done amazingly well to raise so much money this year already, and Merseyrail has been proud to be able to support all the efforts by the team at Centre 56.
“Working with communities across the Merseyrail network is an important part of what we do. Merseyrail has a unique position within the region to be able to reach out and help organisations and charities that make a real difference.”
Merseyrail has chosen Centre 56 as one of its Charities of the Year. This means it will continue to work in partnership following the run, benefitting from staff fundraising and volunteering initiatives. Three other charities are also working with Merseyrail; Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Blackburne House and Parkinson’s Wirral.
Photo Credit: Kevin Brown Photography
