At this year’s Rail Business Awards, a train driver employed by TransPennine Express (TPE) was awarded the Richard Hope Award for raising more than £55,000 for charity.

Don Coffey, 66, is from Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire and has been a driver since 2003.

He received his award in recognition of his exceptional personal contribution to the UK rail sector through his unwavering commitment to charity and his selfless efforts to raise funds for causes close to his heart.

Much of the money Don raised has come from his YouTube channel, which shows videos filmed from the cab of trains he is driving.

Over 700,000 followers have seen his most viewed video, ‘St Pancras to Derby – 125 mph!’ which gives an exhilarating behind-the-scenes look from the cab of a high-speed train journey from London St Pancras to Derby.

Filmed on a crisp, clear, day, it takes viewers on a thrilling journey along the full route, with speeds sometimes exceeding 100 mph.

Don originally set up the channel to showcase the beauty of travelling by train, but never expected it to become so popular.

As more people watched his videos, YouTube notified him that they could generate income, and what started with a modest £270 in donations quickly grew.

Primarily focussing on routes across the TransPennine Express network, Don has also filmed for other train operators to go behind-the-scenes look at different depots and services across the UK.

His videos have also had an impact with his employer, as TransPennine Express is using them as part of its driver training programme to provide valuable route knowledge to both new and experienced drivers.

All proceeds from Don’s YouTube channel are donated to causes holding personal significance to Don, with the main beneficiary being Samaritans, which was driven by a life-changing experience he experienced while working on the railway when alongside British Transport Police (BTP) he helped a young woman who was contemplating taking her own life.

As well as Samaritans, Don has contributed to Macmillan Cancer Support, The Red Cross, The Proud Trust, Martin House Children’s Hospice, and most recently, Cash for Kids’ Christmas appeal ‘Mission Christmas’ that was supported by TransPennine Express with Christmas-themed train design.

Don’s YouTube channel has 150,000 monthly viewers and over 51,000 subscribers; for more information and to watch, his videos are at youtube.com/@doncoffey5820.

TransPennine Express has previously been recognised at the Rail Business Awards as Train Operator and Rail Business of the Year and for Diversity & Inclusion in Rail.

“I never imagined it would grow this much. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported the channel, whether assisting me with getting permission to film, helping organise events or promoting the videos. It’s wonderful to see how much support there is both from fans and people wanting to contribute to charity. A highlight for me was when Hull Trains contacted me to film the Hull-Kings Cross route – it was a fantastic opportunity.”

Don Coffey