TransPennine Express and RNLI Volunteers Unite for Fundraising Drive at Cleethorpes Station
Over the weekend, a dedicated group of volunteers from TransPennine Express (TPE) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) gathered at Cleethorpes station to raise vital funds for the lifeboat charity. This event, held on Saturday, April 11, saw customers generously donating cash and engaging in conversations with the volunteers, highlighting a strong community spirit and commitment to safety.
Partnership Focused on Coastal Safety and Community Support
TPE announced its partnership with RNLI last year, extending collaborations to include two other independent lifeboat charities: St Abbs Lifeboat and Humber Rescue. These partnerships bring together organisations dedicated to safety both on land and at sea, with a focus on supporting coastal communities, delivering lifesaving safety messages, and raising essential funds for their critical work.
With the majority of rescues involving visitors traveling from inland areas to the coast, this partnership serves as a natural extension of TPE's role in connecting people to these destinations. Andrew Watkins, community and development manager at TransPennine Express, emphasized the synergy, stating: "Many of our services connect inland communities to seaside destinations, so there's a natural link between our role as a train operator and the incredible work these rescue organisations carry out."
Educational Initiatives and Ongoing Efforts
In addition to fundraising, RNLI and TPE have produced a water safety educational booklet designed to help families and young people travel safely to the train operator's coastal destinations. This resource underscores the importance of water and rail safety and was distributed to passengers during the event. Watkins added: "This is about more than just fundraising - it's about raising awareness of water and rail safety, and ensuring our customers have the knowledge to enjoy the coast safely. We're proud to be working alongside our charity partners to protect lives and support the communities we serve."
Volunteers will continue to be active at stations regularly, encouraging the public to support their efforts. Watkins urged: "Look out for them and help us raise money for a good cause." This ongoing initiative aims to foster a safer environment for all travelers and reinforce the vital connection between transport services and coastal safety.
