Sefton Charity Champion Alex Rigby is taking on a huge new fundraising challenge, aiming to run 105 miles between 69 separate train stations on the Merseyrail network.
The Centre 56 Fundraising Officer hopes to raise £35,000 by doubling the distance of his previous challenge route.
Gathered at Hunts Cross Station on a cold February morning in 2024, the Centre 56 team waved Alex off as he started his 56-mile running challenge to raise money for the nursery. The challenge saw him run to every station on Merseyrail’s Northern Line and raised £30,000 for Centre 56.
In April, Alex was crowned Sefton Charity Champion Of The Year, sponsored by Communications Plus, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Now, the Rail-Runner is preparing to make his return (and make history!), setting his sights on completing a route covering the full Merseyrail Network, something that has never been attempted before.
Speaking to Billy Hui on BBC Radio Merseyside, Alex said:
“What made last year’s challenge so successful was the support from people and businesses from all over Liverpool. I’m excited to be back, doubling the distance for Centre 56 with a challenge that no one has ever done before! Having the city united behind Centre 56 makes it all worthwhile.”
The new, 105-mile route visiting all 69 stations on Merseyrail’s Wirral and Northern Lines will be completed on 28th February 2025 – 1st March 2025. Beginning in Chester at 3pm, he will run out to all furthest points of the network including Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton, Headbolt Lane, Ormskirk, and Southport before finishing at Hunts Cross.
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. The whole team will be cheering him on as he runs the entire length of our network, raising funds for the vital work Centre 56 does in the communities we serve.”
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.
Alex Rigby won the Sefton Charity Champion Of The Year, sponsored by Communications Plus, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards at the Grand in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Unfortunately, the work of the charity has never been more needed, with violence against women and girls recently being declared an epidemic in the UK. According to Refuge, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and 1 woman is killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales every five days.
The impact this has on children is profound, with many studies showing that children exposed to domestic abuse are more likely to develop emotional and behavioural problems, struggle academically, and face a higher risk of entering abusive relationships themselves.
Centre 56’s unique offer puts the child first, providing the extra support they need to develop their confidence and self-esteem, improve their mental health and wellbeing and learn how to regulate their emotions and behaviours. It’s a nurturing, safe space for children to rebuild their trust in the world.
Alex said:
“Being one of Merseyrail’s chosen charities has been amazing for us so far, and they’re going to help us take this challenge to another level. We’re so grateful for all their support and just can’t wait to bring this challenge to life together.”
For sponsorship opportunities or to join the relay team or donate, please visit the Centre 56 website https://centre56.enthuse.com/cf/running-full-merseyrail-network
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