Rail firm now on track to star for new charity

Photo: Jon Parker Lee

FROM the left: Carolyn Watson of Northern with Sam and Eva Royle of Mummy's Star and Richelle Walsh. Picture: Jon Parker Lee

A GENEROUS rail operator has played fairy godmother to a unique charity - thanks to one of its staff.

Richelle Walsh is the hugely-popular customer care assistant with Northern at Greenfield, Oldham's station.

She submitted a nomination for Mummy's Star, the only charity in the UK supporting women and their families affected by cancer in or around their pregnancy.

And a panel of Northern employees chose to support her nomination from a series of local good causes nominated by colleagues.

Richelle became involved with the charity through one of her regular customers, whose best friend was affected.

Now she helps Mummy's Star at their events and through sponsorship.

After learning of the news, Richelle said: "I was thrilled to learn the charity I had nominated had been awarded the donation of £3,000.

"It will make an amazing difference to the women and their families who will benefit from this money.

"As a relatively new charity, this money will give the cause a fantastic boost. I cannot thank Northern enough for making this donation."

Carolyn Watson, Northern's community and sustainability director, said "We're delighted to be able to support Mummy's Star.

"We had lots of strong nominations from colleagues across our network, supporting a range of local charities and projects.

"They gave our judges a really difficult task but Mummy's Star really captured their attention.

"For us it's not just about handing over a cheque, it's also how we can support the charity in the longer term so we'll be encouraging colleagues to get involved in future fundraising activity too."

Eva Royle, of Mummy's Star, who lives at Delph, said "If it wasn't for generous supporters such as Northern, Mummy's Star couldn't exist.

"I came into the charity four years ago after I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 20 weeks pregnant.

"I had three cycles of chemo while pregnant with my son, Sam.

"I then delivered my baby and had a further four cycles plus numerous operations and radiotherapy.

"Now nearly five years on - touch wood - all is looking good and Sam is a healthy four-year-old due to start school in September."

"To give an idea of what the money can provide; £10 can provide two days of hospital parking fees while mum has chemotherapy, £30 can pay for a day's childcare so mum knows her little one is in safe hands while she has treatment.

"And £100 can pay for three vital counselling sessions post-cancer diagnosis. So from all of us at Mummy's Star - thank you."

More information on the charity at: www.mummysstar.org.