Corby model railway loco takes on Sir Captain Tom 100 lap challenge for hospice

Members of a Corby model train group will be attempting to emulate Sir Captain Tom Moore with a 100-lap of the headquarters garden on their railway circuit.

Corby & District Model Railway Society (CDMRS) will be supporting Cransley Hospice in aid of the Captain Tom Challenge 100 event when their NHS liveried class 66 locomotive runs around their track 100 times on Saturday (May 1).

The event will take place from 10am, at their headquarters site, in Quarry Close, (off) Kelvin Grove, Corby, (NN17 1AZ) and collection buckets will be out for donations to the cause.

Last year, Captain Tom completed 100 laps around his garden for the NHS, inspiring CDMRS to design their NHS and Captain Tom train.

CDMRS chairman, Craig Tyler said: “The society understands the need that organisations like Cransley Hospice rely on, so whatever we can do to help is got to be a good thing and we intend to work with Cransley Hospice in the future on their fundraising activities.”

Members of the society will be on site from 8am, preparing the train for its 100 laps and from 10am, members of the community are welcome to visit from a safe distance, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Barriers will be put in place to allow a one-way system, to ensure visitors have a good view of the train. The Cransley donation buckets will be available on site.

This railway layout has been reconstructed over the last 10 years and over the past 12 months has been re-signalled.

Normally open throughout the year, the railway usually carries the public, including on the incredibly popular Halloween and Santa specials - with more than 3,500 visitors for the 2019 Christmas events.

Louise Preedy, community fundraising manager at Cransley Hospice, said: “Captain Tom gave inspiration and support to so many at a difficult time and touched the hearts of the nation.

"We are so thankful to the Corby and District Model Railway Society for choosing to support Cransley Hospice with their Captain Tom 100 challenge.

“It’s been a pleasure to meet the some of the team from Corby and District Model Railway Society, their site is such a wonderful local gem and we hope the community will support them with their challenge.”

Cransley Hospice needs to raise around £1.4m each year to provide the specialist palliative care for patients in North Northamptonshire with a life-limiting illness.

A Cransley Hospice spokesman said: "The postponement or cancellation of events and community collections and the closure of the Cransley Hospice charity shops will leave the charity fundraising income down by almost £500,000 this year.

"Support from individuals is more important than ever and there are many ways that people can get involved to support Cransley from taking on a challenge, playing the weekly lottery or even shopping.

To find out how to support Cransley Hospice visit their website at www.cransleyhospice.org.uk.