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Friday 6 Dec 2019

Railway volunteers ‘sleep out’ in aid of local Blackpool homeless charity

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Over 40 people from the rail industry have joined a Network Rail signaller to sleep out at Blackpool North station to raise money for a homeless charity.

Signaller Chris Conway was joined by colleagues from Network Rail and Northern last night (5 November) to help support Amazing Graze, a soup kitchen providing meals and support to the homeless in Blackpool.

Chris Conway, relief signaller for Network Rail, said: “I’m so happy that so many people volunteered to fundraise and take part in the sleep-out at Blackpool North station.

“Amazing Graze is open three days a week, and the volunteers serve up to 15,000 meals a year. The funds we have raised will keep the soup kitchen going and support vulnerable people in Blackpool who need a helping hand.”

Chris also runs an outreach programme which successfully gets homeless people off the streets and into work. Last week, Chris added the RailStaff 'Award for Charity' to his list of awards and recognition for his outstanding work.

He added: “Since 2018, my outreach group has helped get 25 homeless people off the streets and into rented accommodation. But more than 700 homeless people died across Britain last year. There’s still a lot to do.”

Phil James, route director for Network Rail's North West route, said: "The work Chris has done to help the homeless in Blackpool has inspired us all. Network Rail is supporting a national charitable campaign called ‘Routes out of Homelessness’. I am passionate about this cause and together we can make a difference to help those in need in practical and permanent ways. Chris’ work is invaluable and the whole railway industry is proud of his achievements.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: “We’re proud to have been able to support the Blackpool sleep-out, which raises awareness of a fantastic cause. I’m pleased to have been able to take part and it was great to see colleagues from across the rail industry coming together to help raise vital funds. The work carried out by Amazing Graze is truly inspirational and I’d like to say a huge thank you to them, Network Rail and everyone who took part or donated."

Anyone wanting to support the cause can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/blackpool-sleepout.