Virgin trains launch

Former world feather-weight champion and patron for CLIC Sargent, Barry McGuigan was one of a number of guests who attended today’s unveiling of Virgin Trains’ Pendolino at London’s Euston station. The train was named ‘CLIC Sargent’ after its new charity partner.

The train naming marks the launch of an exciting new charity partnership between Virgin Trains and the charity. Virgin Trains’ staff voted for CLIC Sargent to win the year long partnership and they hope to raise more than £200,000 through a variety of fundraising initiatives.

Barry McGuigan was joined at the ceremony by Virgin Trains’ Train Manager Kate Peach, who works at Wolverhampton and her son Daniel who was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Following diagnosis Daniel underwent treatment at their nearest hospital where he received specialist support from CLIC Sargent.

“When I found out Daniel had cancer I didn’t know what to expect,” says Kate. “Everything was new and unknown but CLIC Sargent was there to offer advice, guidance and reassurance. They arranged a care grant for us to help with the added financial costs of travelling to the hospital and generally made us feel at home with everything that was happening.

“I’m really excited that CLIC Sargent is our official charity for the year and I’m looking forward to getting involved with all the fundraising that’s going on.

Also attending the ceremony was Virgin Trains’ Chief Executive Officer, Tony Collins who presented CLIC Sargent’s Acting Chief Executive, Sarah Talbot-Williams with Virgin Trains’ first charity donation.

“We are honoured to have one of Virgin Trains’ state-of-the-art Pendolinos named after us and we are already very impressed by the fantastic fundraising efforts of Virgin Trains’ staff. We look forward to working with them closely over the next year,” says Sarah Talbot-Williams.

Tony Collins, Chief Executive Officer says, “I am delighted that Virgin Trains and our 3,200 people are partners with CLIC Sargent.

“To kick things off, we auctioned off some old train nameplates earlier this year, and I am delighted to present a cheque for £100,000 as the first instalment in what I am sure will be a major contribution to the charity’s funds.

“Virgin Trains is proud to name one of our Pendolino trains ‘CLIC Sargent’ in celebration of this new partnership. This train has run some 1.2 million miles in passenger service and we are sure everyone will be very pleased to see ‘CLIC Sargent’ in action on the West Coast Main Line,” concluded Tony.

ENDS

• For more information contact Kat Turton – Senior Press Officer for CLIC Sargent on:  07917 805488 or email: kat.turton@clicsargent.org.uk