Porterbrook Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Grant ran the New York Marathon on Sunday, and passed her target of raising one hundred thousand pounds for the Railway Children charity.
Fifty thousand runners took part in the twenty-six-mile race, most of whom were raising money for charities and good causes.
Grant is an ambassador for Rail Aid, which supports Railway Children, which supports vulnerable children in the UK and abroad, many of whom use the railway to escape dangerous situations or take shelter in railway premises.
Many railway companies support the charity and welcome acknowledgement of their patronage. The full list of donors can be viewed here.
After finishing the race in Central Park, Grant said: “It's been a long and gruelling build up over the last six months, however the 04.30 training starts and the strain on my body pales into insignificance when thinking of children with nowhere to go and nobody to turn to.
“It was a privilege to finally join thousands of runners at the Staten Island start line yesterday. There were some very heavy legs and hard yards in the final third heading through The Bronx, but the New Yorkers were out in force in the Autumn sunshine cheering everyone through to Central Park.
“I've been a part of the railway family for over 25 years and we always come together to help each other. The Railway Children Fundraising Site is now open, and I'm delighted to already see the significant corporate sponsorship building up from our partners and stakeholders.
“With huge thanks to their overwhelming generosity we look set to meet, and potentially exceed, the goal I set. Every penny raised will help to make a difference to the charity, and I welcome any further donations to this important cause.”
Rob Capener, Group CEO of Railway Children, said: “The work of Rail Aid couldn't be more important, or more urgent. We applaud Mary's commitment to this amazing accomplishment and know that the money she raises will make a huge difference to children who are vulnerable and alone on streets and rail networks across India, Tanzania and the UK. “
