Malvern residents were among 160 people who enjoyed travelling back in time to the decadent days of the 1930s on a special luxury train journey to Bath organised by St Richard’s Hospice.
The exclusive Northern Belle train, making its first stop of the day at Great Malvern Station, was chartered on Saturday 20th September as part of the hospice’s 30thAnniversary celebrations, with approximately £10,000 raised to help the local charity care for people with life threatening illnesses.
Phil Humphreys, one of St Richard’s Hospice’s business patrons, was amongst the first guests to secure their tickets for the special event; “The trip was the most perfect way to spend a day and for us was made all the more special as we were also celebrating my father’s 82nd birthday.
“My wife and I, together with my parents, were taken on a nostalgic trip back in time on the superb Northern Belle. As Malvern residents, leaving from Great Malvern station added a touch of excitement. The train and staff were wonderful, giving us all a true feel for when train travel was so special. The sumptuous food and fine wine were the perfect finishing touch to a day never to be forgotten”.
Rachel Jones, Fundraising Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said; “It was a fantastic day and everyone really enjoyed themselves. As a Malvern resident, I was particularly delighted to be able to bring this historic train to the beautiful old station of Great Malvern. It was a really special experience and all our guests agreed that the luxuriously fitted carriages and wonderful service from the Northern Belle team made the trip a very suitable celebration of 30 years of hospice care from St Richard’s. We are delighted that the day raised such a wonderful amount of money to help us continue to care for patients at the end of their lives and their loved ones.”
The day was sponsored by local businesses HallmarkHulme and BRI Wealth Management.