South coast train crew get on their bikes to raise money for charity

Friday 22nd September 2017
South Western Railway staff from Fratton depot donned their best lycra outfits and cycling helmets and set off on an 85 mile bike ride from Weymouth to Portsmouth to raise money for Rowans Hospice.

The crew departed Fratton at the crack of dawn on the 05.05 service and mounted their bikes at Weymouth at 08:40 am on Thursday 7 September. They made it to Portsmouth, via Bournemouth, Lymington and the Isle of Wight, just in time for dinner.

Charity bike ride

The event has raised more than £1,000 for the hospice. Four drivers, four guards and On Train Depot Manager, Paul Wade, completed the ride.
Paul said: “It was really hard work but worth the effort. We wanted to raise money for Rowans Hospice because it’s local to the area, and a lot of families have been supported by the hospice over the years.

“This is the ninth year that Fratton train crew have ridden together and it’s becoming something of a tradition now.”  

Kris Newton, Commercial Guard from Fratton, organises the ride every year and the pressure is now on from his cycling teammates to pull something special out of the bag for next year’s tenth anniversary ride.

Rowans Hospice provides specialist end of life care of the highest quality for patients. They guide patients and those closest to them through the journey of their illness, supporting them every step of the way.