The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has revealed that its Raise the Roof appeal has achieved an important milestone, with £254,558 raised towards its £1 million target.

The money has come in in just over two months, after the Trust launched the appeal in June this year.

The appeal is raising money to fund the building of a heritage Great Western Railway-style platform canopy at Kidderminster Town station. Building the roof will complete the original vision for the railway’s southern terminus, 42 years after it opened.

Once completed, the canopy will provide better shelter for passengers, as well as being an impressive architectural feature.

Builders will use authentic salvaged steelwork from the former Great Western Railway station at Wolverhampton Low Level to construct part of the structure, which will preserve an important piece of railway heritage.

The Charitable Trust has thanked the supporters who have generously donated to the appeal, enabling it to reach a quarter of its target so quickly.

It has stated that donations from hundreds of individuals, businesses and supporters across the heritage railway community have been received, as well as a significant recent boost from a legacy left to the Charitable Trust.

“To have reached well over £250,000 in such a short time is a tremendous achievement, and we’re enormously grateful to every single person who has supported the appeal so far. Whether someone has made a small donation or a much larger contribution, every gift is helping to bring this exciting project closer to reality.

“We’re also incredibly thankful for the remarkable legacy that has recently boosted the appeal. It is a powerful reminder of the lasting difference that gifts in wills can make. The kindness and foresight of one supporter is now helping to create something that will benefit the railway and its visitors for generations, and we cannot thank them enough for that extraordinary act of generosity.

“Although we’ve reached a significant milestone, there’s still a long way to go. We’d encourage everyone who loves the Severn Valley Railway to consider supporting the appeal. Together, we really can complete this iconic project and give Kidderminster Town station the magnificent finishing touch it deserves.”

Judith Meredith, Chair of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust