Rail runner Alex Rigby has tonight completed his epic 107 mile Running The Railways fundraiser between all 69 train stations across the Merseyrail network.
Alex, who won the Sefton Charity Champion Award at last year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, completed the incredible challenge in 27 hours.
He set off from Chester train Station at 3pm yesterday (Friday 28th February 2025) and ran home in front of a jubilant crowd of supporters at Hunts Cross Train Station this evening.
Last night he ran all the way around the Wirral and through the Mersey Tunnel; this morning he was at Ormskirk; and earlier today ran past Northern Line stations including Southport, Birkdale, Hillside, Ainsdale and more.
Along the way he was joined by a series of runners, including Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
He has been determined to raise as much money as he can for the Centre 56 charity, raising over £37,000 so far.
You can donate via Alex Rugby’s fundraising page here.
Alex, from Bootle, is a keen cricketer at Ainsdale Cricket Club in Southport.
Alex Rigby said:
“Over 8 months of planning, countless meetings, hundreds of miles run and all for ONE reason.
“To raise awareness around domestic abuse and put the spotlight on the incredible work that is done at Centre 56 by the amazing staff who provide so much love and support for the families and children who attend our nursery.”
John Thompson from Ainsdale Cricket Club said:
“At Ainsdale CC we call him ‘The Bootle Bob Geldoff’ in recognition of all he does for others.
“We as a club are all incredibly proud of him and delighted to have given him a tiny bit of support along the way.”
Paula Graves, Children’s support manager at Centre 56 said:
“Alex is not just the fundraising officer at Centre 56 he also gets involved in all aspects of what we do at the Centre.
“He will be delighted with the funds raised but I know he will be more pleased with the awareness he has raised for families suffering from domestic abuse. He would want them to know that they are not alone and if they reach out there is help and support out there to help them rebuild their lives.
“We are so proud of his achievement and all those involved in supporting him.”
Robin Baynes MBE said:
“Alex is an unbelievable hero touching the hearts and souls of the community.”
In February 2024, Alex completed a 56-mile running challenge on Merseyrail’s Northern Line which saw him raise £30,000 for Centre 56.
In April last year, Alex was crowned Sefton Charity Champion Of The Year, sponsored by Communications Plus, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
As one of Merseyrail’s four chosen charities for the year, the team are delighted to have Merseyrail backing the challenge.
Merseyrail’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Greg Suligowski said:
“We are really pleased to welcome Alex back to the Merseyrail network for his biggest and toughest challenge yet.”
Centre 56 has been a place of safety and hope for families in Kirkdale for more than 50 years. The charity provides specialist nursery care for children aged 2-12 years who have experienced domestic abuse or crisis situations.
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