Chiltern Railways gives family rescue charity Home-Start a first class funding promise

Money raised by the company in its community fundraising will help fund Home-Start’s vital work providing friendship, support and practical help to families under stress, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.

Senior organiser for Home-Start, Jane Skelton, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Chiltern Railways for their support.

“We are delighted and very proud to be selected as their charity partner.

“The funds raised from this partnership will allow us to continue to help parents with young children give their child the best start in life.”

The train operator hopes to help Home-Start raise £25,000 towards their annual fundraising target of £50,000. Staff across the company will join a variety of fundraising activities including the three-peaks climb in the summer.

Banbury-based Chad Collins, head of stations Chiltern Railways, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with Home-Start Banbury and Chipping Norton and are looking forward to a year packed full of fundraising events to support such an important local charity.”

Home-Start depends heavily on donations to support its vital work.

Mrs Skelton said: “£25,000 will enable us to support 20 families for a whole year or we could support more families for a shorter length of time.

“Our income last year was in the region of £70,000 and we supported 78 families during the year.”