THE NENE Valley Railway’s £300,000 ‘Back on Track’ appeal has got off to a positive start, having raised £65,000.
It comes a few months after the railway launched the appeal in response to the financial challenges caused by rising operating costs and the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on income. Although the railway described the challenges as “stark”, it affirmed that the Peterborough-Wansford line “is not in immediate danger of closing. We are running as normal and will continue to do so. The £300,000 fundraising target is there to refill our reserves. It will enable the railway to maintain operations, conduct essential repairs and embark on vital infrastructure upgrades and restoration projects to ensure its longterm viability.”
The line added: “Initial response to the appeal has been fantastic with over £65,000 having been raised so far. We have seen donations coming in from around the world and there have been people carrying out their own sponsored challenges to support the railway too.”
Meanwhile, the Garfield Weston Foundation – a family-founded grant-maker that supports charities across the UK – has allocated £20,000 towards the NVR’s core costs. “We are, of course, very grateful for this generosity. The money does not go to a specific purpose but makes a significant contribution to the general funding level within the railway, keeping wheels turning and boilers steaming,” the NVR said. It added: “Although the initial response to our appeal has been great, we must keep the momentum going.”
● To donate, visit www.nvr.org.uk/product.php/164 or www.gofund.me/5f75ca51