FEATURE: RAILWAY CHILDREN
Image caption: (Above) Andy and his bike at the annual Railway Children ball, the man on his left is David Maidment, Chair and Founder of Railway Children.
Andy is doing all he can to help the Railway Children and is training hard to ensure that his target is reached.
through getting her involved with positive activities. As a result, Clare’s self-esteem has increased. Her attendance at school has risen from 60% to 92%, she no longer runs away or gets into trouble with the police and she wants to work with young people as a career.
In a society that claims to offer equal opportunity, it is ironic that so many children are ignored, forgotten and allowed to slip through the net into
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poverty and abuse. According to Laura the economic downturn has without doubt seen the situation become worse. Many families are breaking down due to financial stresses, resulting in a higher percentage of ‘at risk’ children.
A spokesperson for Railway
Children commented, “There are many things that can be done to ease the pressure for families. People need safe places across the country that can offer support free of judgement”
Andy is doing all he can to help the Railway Children and is training hard to ensure that his target is reached. “I have been running 6 miles to work and home every day” he explained. “I will be entering the Reading Half Marathon in March, The London Marathon in April, The Windsor Triathlon in June and other smaller
events in between. It is my aim to get everybody involved in what I’m doing, whether it be by coming along to offer support, donating, or entering yourself!” “All children are innocent, just like yours and mine and their vulnerability is very real. I believe that we as individuals, the rail industry and society all have a responsibility to help young people reach their potential.” You can follow Andy’s progress in the race to beat child neglect and poverty by visiting his fundraising page at
www.advance-TRS.com, contacting him directly on 01483 361 061 or donate to the cause at
www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ AndyRidout.
“Together we can put an end to the exploitation of innocence.”
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