A Team from Network Rail’s Derby depot will be attempting to pull a train at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to raise money for Sport Relief.
The fundraising challenge is the brainchild of Michael Nicoll from Derby who is a member of Network Rail’s Rapid Response Team. Michael came up with the idea when he first saw a group of airport workers pulling a plane for Red Nose Day, and decided, “if they can pull a plane we could pull a train!” Michael then went about recruiting volunteers from Network Rail’s Derby Delivery Unit.
Fittingly, the team will be attempting to pull ‘Iris the Railcar’ which is a locally significant vehicle. Weighing 27 tonnes she was built at the British Rail Derby Works and celebrates her sixtieth birthday this year.
Tom Tait, the Railway’s Commercial Manager said, “We are delighted that the Network Rail Team has asked the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to host their challenge and look forward to a very successful and fun packed event.”
The train pull attempt is open to anyone to come along and cheer the team on and will take place at Wirksworth Station on Wednesday 19th March at 10.00.