A fantastic fundraiser who ran to 37 different Merseyrail train stations in a single day has been crowned Sefton Charity Champion Of The Year, sponsored by Communications Plus, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Alex Rigby ran for an incredible 56 miles during 11 hours on Saturday 10th February as he called into every train station on the Merseyrail Northern Line.
His Running The Railways efforts saw him raise an incredible £27,004.29 for Centre 56, which 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 started his run at Hunts Cross then ran through south Liverpool, Liverpool city centre, up through Sefton, past Southport, then to Ormsirk, Maghull, Kirkby, Walton and then Kirkdale.
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
It followed his charity run last year which saw him run through every ‘L’ postcode in a single day, raising £3,000 for Ainsdale Cricket Club.
Alex, who lives in Bootle and is a keen cricket player for Ainsdale Cricket Club, where his Dad also played, said: “I was honoured to be nominated in the Charity Champion category, alongside two other incredible people.
“I was delighted to win but I wish I could have split the trophy into three pieces and shared it, because everyone who raises money is a champion in my eyes.”
He dedicated the award to his colleagues at Centre 56 saying: “Thank you to everyone at Centre 56 for supporting and backing me, you have all been amazing and this is for you!
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
“Thank you to all the organisers and sponsors for putting together such a fantastic evening of celebration!”
Alex, the Centre 56 Fundraising Officer, was hoping to raise £20,000 for the charity through his ultra-marathon Merseyrail challenge. He was delighted when people helped him to raise over £27,000.
Supporters and fundraisers cheered him on at stations along the route.
Alex said: “I wanted to do a challenge that was unique. I was getting the train one day and started wondering how long it would take to run to all the stations.
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
“I’m delighted that along the way we’ve been able to build this relationship with Merseyrail, who have been a fantastic support.”
Alex was joined along the route by supporters and representatives from local businesses, who completed the run in a relay, as well as friends and colleagues.
Senior Train Driver, Mark Scott from Merseyrail was also taking part.
Merseyrail has chosen Centre 56 as one of its Charities of the Year. This means it will continue to work in partnership following the run, benefitting from staff fundraising and volunteering initiatives.
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
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
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
- For more details about For James – the James Bulger Memorial Trust please visit: forjames.org
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
