Merseyrail raises £41,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity

Employees voted for Alder Hey to be the Charity of the Year for 2019-20 after whittling their initial nominations down to a shortlist of eight.

Fundraising activity was kick-started with a £10,000 boost, part of which directly funded more visits from Alder Hey’s resident magician Barrington, who distracts children in waiting areas and clinics.

Employees then continued to raise money and awareness through scrap metal donations, charity race nights, train enthusiast trips and various other raffles, draws and challenges organised by Merseyrail staff.

The partnership has helped to continue Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s work in funding a wide range of projects across the hospital, such as those focused around distraction.

Distraction is hugely important at Alder Hey as it not only reduces the time spent in an appointment, meaning that staff can treat more children each day, but it also reduces anxiety and boredom during treatment.

Projects include funding wall coverings to 4D immersive projections in treatment rooms around the hospital.

Andy Heath, Merseyrail’s Managing Director said: “Alder Hey Children’s Hospital delivers life-saving treatment to children and young people across the region and beyond, and we’re thrilled to be able to raise this level of money and awareness for such a worthwhile cause.

“Working with Alder Hey over the last 12 months has been an absolute pleasure, and we will continue to support them however we can for years to come.”

Ellie Freestone, Corporate Fundraiser from Alder Hey Children’s Charity, said: “We are really grateful to everyone at Merseyrail for choosing to support Alder Hey Children’s Charity over the last 12 months.

“The support received allows us to continue our work funding activities and projects that are designed to enhance and improve the lives of our children and young people.”