NETWORK RAIL TRADES TRAINS FOR BIKES FOR CHARITY: NR CEO Iain Coucher takes part in the the Big Bike Ride for the NSPCC

Friday 10 Jul 2009

NETWORK RAIL TRADES TRAINS FOR BIKES FOR CHARITY

Region & Route:
| Southern

Network Rail chief executive, Iain Coucher yesterday swapped the train for a bike as he got on two wheels to take part along with several Network Rail employees at the NSPCC Big Bike Ride in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.

Iain, along with hundreds of others, started the race from the grounds of Princes Risborough School. Cyclists chose either the 25km, 50km or 75km route as they cycled through the pretty Buckinghamshire countryside. Despite the threat of wet weather the race began with the sun shining. The event was a fantastic success thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

Network Rail people have been busy over the last few months preparing for the Big Bike Ride and organising their own events all over the country. The amount of money pledged is still being added up but every penny raised will go to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal.

Iain Coucher, chief executive, Network Rail said: "The Big Bike Ride was a fun day out, the atmosphere was excellent and I really enjoyed taking part. I am very proud that Network Rail is involved with this event. The money raised will make a real difference to the children and families the NSPCC support."

Notes to editors

Network Rail employees’ voted the NSPCC as charity of choice for 2008-10. Our goal is to support the charity in creating a better future for all children. For further information about the BIG BIKE RIDE contact the NSPCC communications office on 01293 651841 or 0797 606 5028 http://www.bigbikeride.co.uk/ The NSPCC: The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children. Our vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We seek to achieve cultural, social and political change – influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours for the benefit of children

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - South East route
020 3357 7969
southeastroutecomms@networkrail.co.uk

About Network Rail

We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

Usually, there are almost five million journeys made in the UK and over 600 freight trains run on the network. People depend on Britain's railway for their daily commute, to visit friends and loved ones and to get them home safe every day. Our role is to deliver a safe and reliable railway, so we carefully manage and deliver thousands of projects every year that form part of the multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, to grow and expand the nation's railway network to respond to the tremendous growth and demand the railway has experienced - a doubling of passenger journeys over the past 20 years.

Follow us on Twitter: @networkrail
Visit our online newsroom: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk