Merseyrail and local domestic abuse charity Centre 56 have joined together to congratulate Alex Rigby on being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his outstanding services to charity.
Alex, who lives in Bootle and plays cricket for Ainsdale Cricket Club, has been recognised following his remarkable fundraising efforts through Running the Railways events in 2024 and 2025.
The ultra-marathon events raised more than £80,000 for Centre 56, a Kirkdale-based charity supporting families affected by domestic abuse, as part of Merseyrail’s Charity of the Year programme.
The nomination was jointly made by Merseyrail and Centre 56, reflecting the impact Alex’s extraordinary fundraising has had on families across the region.
Alex won the Sefton Charity Champion Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport, after he ran between 37 different Merseyrail train stations in a single day, raising over £27,000 for Centre 56.
His fundraising efforts have continued to get bigger and more ambitions since then.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Alex recognised in this way. What he’s achieved through Running the Railways is nothing short of inspiring.
He’s shown what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose, and the difference partnerships like this can make for our communities. The funds raised will have a lasting impact for families supported by Centre 56, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
Centre 56 provides specialist support for vulnerable families, offering safe nursery provision alongside support services for women and children. The funding raised by Alex has helped the charity continue and expand that vital work.
Lesley Burrows, Executive Director for Centre 56 said:
“Alex has this amazing ability to unite and inspire people and we’re so grateful to have him in our team at Centre 56. Through Running the Railways, Alex introduced Centre 56 to communities across the city region who absolutely embraced us.
The legacy of that event continues to have a positive impact for our families and will do so for many years to come. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved and to see him receive this recognition.”
Running the Railways has become a powerful example of partnership with purpose, bringing together colleagues, charities and communities to support local communities.
The 2024 event saw Alex run to every station on the Merseyrail Northern Line. In 2025, he went one step further, running more than 100 miles in 27 hours to visit every station on the Merseyrail network.
On learning of his honour, Alex Rigby said:
“I was so shocked when I got the letter and it’s taken a while to sink in. Centre 56 means a lot to me, I’m proud of the incredible work that Centre 56 does to support families that rely on us and it’s great to see the amazing impact people’s donations make every day.
“Running the Railways was one of the hardest and best things I’ve ever done, but I never imagined it would be recognised like this! I’m grateful to everyone who supported us, ran with us and donated and I’d really like to share this honour with them.”
Building on that success, it was recently confirmed that Running the Railways 2026: On the Hour will take place at the end of June.
Starting at 5pm on Friday 26 June 2026, Alex will lead the team to collectively complete almost three back-to-back marathons, with a goal of raising at least £1,000 for every hour they run, finishing at 5pm on Saturday 27 June 2026.
The challenge will see participants complete a 5k run every hour, on the hour, for 24 hours, covering the route between Freshfield and Hightown stations in a 120km relay.
The event will once again see participants take on a unique challenge across the Merseyrail network, with all funds raised supporting Centre 56 and its work with families across the Liverpool City Region.
Merseyrail colleagues will also be supporting the challenge, giving up their own time to run alongside Alex for this important cause.
For more information about Running the Railways or to support the cause, please visit:
https://centre56.enthuse.com/cf/running-the-railways-3-on-the-hour
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