Yesterday, 1st July, RailAdvent was invited to Didcot Railway Centre for a very special charity challenge.

16 Alstom employees from Great Western Railway’s Reading Depot took on the challenge of pulling a 25-tonne locomotive by hand.

The Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge saw the team pull No. 1340 Trojan for a full hour in aid of Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Variety, the Children’s Charity, supports disabled children across the UK and provides life-changing equipment, including wheelchairs and other specialist equipment.

Che McCarthy, Project Supply Chain Leader at Alstom, was inspired to carry out the challenge, with a target of raising £1,000.

They have already surpassed their target, having raised nearly £1,600 and hope that the challenge will inspire others to donate.

Over the hour, they managed to pull the locomotive for an impressive 1,500 metres.

Alec’s Angels were also a huge support, providing guidance and equipment to help them complete the challenge.

Further information and donations can be made online.

A massive well done to those involved, and a huge thank you to both Alstom and the Didcot Railway Centre for inviting us.

“Hauling a 25‑tonne steam locomotive by hand was a huge achievement and a brilliant day for everyone involved. We’ve brought together colleagues, partners and the public to support Variety, and that’s something we’re really proud of,” 

“It started as a simple idea in the office – wondering whether we could actually move a locomotive ourselves – and quickly grew into something much bigger. In the lead up, the team trained together, building the same trust and coordination we rely on every day in the depot. That shared effort is what made it possible, and it’s even more rewarding knowing we’ve done it for such an important cause.”

Che McCarthy, Project Supply Chain Leader at Alstom

“We are so grateful to Alstom for choosing to support Variety, the Children’s Charity. It was a joy to be part of such a creative and inspiring challenge, with every penny raised helping us continue to transform more young lives across the country. Thank you Alstom!”

Imogen Galsworthy, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Variety, the Children’s Charity.