MUM Emma Hartley was given a bottle of Prosecco and chocolates and a first class upgrade by Virgin Trains on Friday at the start of her fundraising journey.

Emma, 33, from Crewe, travelled 245 miles by train to raise money for the Ally Cadence Trust for SMA – wearing a wedding dress and a veil.

Emma’s daughter Eilys was diagnosed with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy just before Christmas last year, and died on June 28, two weeks after her first birthday.

Emma was raising money for the trust because of its support after her family received Eilys’ diagnosis.

Emma’s best friend had organised a Wear It Again charity ball for the trust and SANDs in Hampshire, on Saturday, and Emma travelled there by train in a wedding dress and a veil.

She was a given gifts by members of the Crewe station team before boarding a Virgin Trains service to London Euston.

Virgin Trains also sent Emma well wishes with an announcement and messages on the platform before waving her off with confetti.

Natalie Richbell, Virgin Trains team leader at Crewe, said: “At Virgin Trains we like to delight and surprise our customers.

“We loved Emma’s fundraising effort and wanted to do our bit to make her feel special – as a bride would on their wedding day.”

Emma said: “The walk from my house to the train station was the worst bit. I got lots of stares.

“Luckily my husband, Joe, my three-year-old, Dylan and my mother-in-law, Valerie, joined me for that bit.

“At the train station I was met by Natalie Richbell from Virgin Trains, who gave me a goody bag including a first class upgrade to my ticket, prosecco and chocolates.

“They made a real fuss of me and looked after me so well.

“Dylan's friend Blake and his mum Helen met us at the station along with my friend Ruth. They waved me off and then I was alone until London.

“I travelled across London with a friend from primary school, Kate, who I hadn't seen in 20 years and my mum Maggie.

“For the last train from Waterloo to Alton I was joined by my best friend Kat, the organiser of the ball.

“I raised £67 on the journey, which bought my total to £1,350, which is amazing, as I wanted to raise £100.

“My Slimming World group at the Crosville Club in Crewe have been donating the raffle money to my fundraising too, which is lovely of them.

“The Wear It Again Ball was fantastic and raised £2,500 towards ACT for SMA and SANDs.”