One of the many things we have the privilege of doing as an organisation is building new partnerships with people. We recently hosted representatives from TransPennine Express Trains at our Lifeboat Station and we are now delighted to be part of their Delay Repay Compensation initiative which has been launched today, raising awareness of water safety issues throughout the region.
TransPennine Express (TPE) customers can now donate their Delay Repay compensation to three coastal rescue charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), St Abbs Lifeboat and Humber Rescue – turning train delays into life-saving support for communities along the coast. Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more are eligible for Delay Repay compensation and can now choose to send their reimbursement directly to the charities.
The new donation option is part of TPE’s fundraising partnerships with lifeboat organisations across its network, including the RNLI, which operates stations throughout the TPE network; ourselves due to our proximity to Reston on the East Coast Main Line; and Humber Rescue, near Hull.
TPE connects inland towns and cities, including Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, with seaside destinations such as Cleethorpes, Dunbar, Hull, Redcar and Scarborough.
Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director at TPE, said: “Delays are never something we want our customers to experience, but this new scheme means that when they do happen, the inconvenience can be turned into something genuinely positive.
“By giving customers, the option to donate their Delay Repay compensation to the RNLI, St Abbs Lifeboat or Humber Rescue, we’re helping to channel those funds directly into lifesaving work along our coastline.
“Many of our services connect inland communities to seaside destinations, so there’s a natural link between our role as a train operator and the incredible work these rescue organisations carry out. This is about more than just fundraising – it’s about raising awareness of water safety and ensuring our customers have the knowledge to enjoy the coast safely. We’re proud to be working alongside our charity partners to protect lives and support the communities we serve.”
With the majority of rescues at sea involving visitors from inland areas, the collaboration offers a natural opportunity to promote safety and raise funds.
Through the partnerships, TPE and the RNLI, ourselves and Humber Rescue will deliver engaging station events, educational campaigns and interactive passenger activities while raising important funds to enable us to continue our lifesaving work. Safety messages will be shared at stations, onboard trains and online, and passengers will be able to access a specially created Rail and Water Safety booklet designed for families, schools and community groups.
Thanks, in advance, to all TransPennine passengers who choose to donate to us in this way and thank you to TransPennine for including us as one of their chosen charities.
TransPennine Press Release marks the launch of the scheme today.
