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Press Office - Press Releases
VIRGIN TRAINS GET RAILWAY MAGAZINE ON BOARD FOR A PARTNERSHIP MADE IN HEAVEN
September 15, 2006
IPC Media's Railway Magazine today announces a partnership with Virgin Trains in a quest to make history with an official attempt to break the record for the fastest journey ever, non-stop, from Glasgow to London on the West Coast Main Line.
On Friday, September 22, the potentially record breaking Virgin Pendolino will be filled with over 400 Railway Magazine readers who all bought tickets for the train following a reader offer in the September issue of the magazine.
Nick Pigott, editor of Railway Magazine, says: “The level of interest and generosity shown by our readers has been overwhelming. With enthusiasts travelling from all over Europe to participate, it clearly demonstrates the dedication Railway Magazine readers have for their passion.”
However, it is not just rail enthusiasts that will benefit from the partnership. All money raised by Railway Magazine through the sale of tickets – along with all proceeds from an on-board auction and raffle – will go straight to the charity Heaven's Angels.
Heaven's Angels is the Virgin Trains Charity for 2006 and provides specially-adapted motorbikes to deliver healthcare to remote parts of Africa.
To date the speed run has raised almost £30,000 through the sale of tickets, which, for Heaven's Angels, represents 6 health riders and motorbikes that can potentially save 120,000 lives.
Nick says: “Virgin Trains, who chose us as their partner for this once-in-a-lifetime promotion, were astonished at the speed in which we delivered the sell-out they were looking for.”
Virgin Trains' Chairman Sir Richard Branson says “I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Heaven's Angels campaign - Virgin Trains' staff, the staff and readers of Railway Magazine who promoted the train and our partners at Network Rail and ALSTOM.”
This is a partnership that has captured the interest of rail enthusiasts while making a significant contribution to healthcare in Africa.
Railway Magazine will be reporting on the speed run in its November issue (on-sale 4th October 2006). Railway Magazine will also be producing a DVD containing exclusive footage of the journey which will be covermounted free with its December issue (on-sale 1st November).
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Notes to editors:
About Railway Magazine
Railway Magazine – launched in 1897 – is a clear and trusted voice for the railway community, covering all aspects of the scene from steam through to modern rail developments.
About Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains operates rail services from London Euston to the West Midlands, North West, North Wales and Scotland. It also operates CrossCountry services linking Scotland and the North East and North West via Birmingham with the South Coast and South West.
For further information about IPC Media, contact Anna Gawan, press officer, on Tel: 020 7261 6575 or 07816 316432 or email anna_gawan@ipcmedia.com
For further information about Virgin Trains, contact the press office on Tel: 0870 789 1111
