c2c lends helping hand to raise money for the NSPCC

Top performing train company c2c, part of the National Express Group, is, for the second year running, sponsoring long standing commuter Nigel James and his walking companion Richard Quinn, on their annual walk to raise money for the NSPCC. Today c2c Operations Manager Chris Loder signed, on behalf of c2c, the pledge to support them, laying down the challenge that they should complete the walk and return to claim the sponsorship money.

Nigel, who has been a commuter between Pitsea and Fenchurch Street for over 20 years, and Richard Quinn, who last year walked the length of Hadrian's Wall, will this year be staying in the south of the country, walking the South Downs Way National Trail from Winchester to Eastbourne. The distance this year is 100 miles and Nigel and Richard will be walking from 8 to 16 September.

Having successfully completed the walk last year to raise money for the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign, which has one aim - to end cruelty to children - Nigel approached c2c to see if his local train company - the most punctual in the country - would be prepared to support him again. Route Director Kevin Frazer was delighted to join c2c to such a worthwhile cause. His team got in touch with fellow train operators South West Trains and Southern (who run services from Waterloo to Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and the West Country, and from London Bridge/Victoria to the south coast respectively) who kindly offered tickets to cover Nigel and Rick's journey from London to Winchester and from Eastbourne to London.

Once again c2c is delighted to head the list of supporters for Nigel and Richard on this worthwhile activity. said Kevin Frazer, c2c's Route Director. While our main business is to run a punctual and safe railway, we are happy to help others in supporting worthy causes.

It is no mean feat to spend a week walking in all weathers and sleeping under canvas (and we all know what this year has been like weatherwise so good luck to them) so we at c2c wanted to support them, and their cause.

After last year's walk the length of Hadrian's Wall I am sure they will have no difficulty with the South Downs Way and I look forward to presenting the cheque to them when they get back.

I am grateful to colleagues in South West Trains and Southern for agreeing to provide the tickets for Nigel and Rick to travel to the start and back from the finish of their walk, thus ensuring that as much money as possible that is raised goes to the good cause.

With one eye on the weather, and anxious to get the walk underway Nigel said, Rick and I would like to thank c2c, South West Trains and Southern for their generous support of a worthy cause. We have a challenge not just to complete the walk but to complete it on time to keep up with c2c's excellent punctuality record! Usually I can blame someone else if I'm late but now it will be down to me! But seriously, I feel it is a great privilege to be able to enjoy the outdoor life for a week while raising money that will make such a difference to young lives.

Anyone wishing to support us can do so on line at www.justgiving.com/southdownswaywalk

Lucy Lock, Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC in Essex said, "Nigel and Richard raised over £1,500 last year and we are delighted they will be putting their best foot forward for the NSPCC once again. Money raised from the walk will help fund the charity's vital services which protect some of the most vulnerable children and help abused children face the future with hope. We are grateful to Nigel, Richard and c2c for their ongoing support and would invite readers to sponsor them to help them raise as much as possible by sponsoring them at www.justgiving.com/SouthDownsWayWalk"

If Nigel and Richard inspire any readers to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC, please contact Lucy on 01702 480499 or email llock@nspcc.org.uk.