THE Virgin Trains team at Crewe have cycled hundreds of miles to raise money for the NET Patient Foundation to support their colleagues, who recently lost a loved one to cancer.

Joined by colleagues across the West Coast Main Line, from drivers and Station Managers to Onboard Managers, Retail Teams and Customer Experience Managers, the Virgin Trains team pedalled 346 miles – nearly the same distance as taking the train from London Euston – Lockerbie.

Over 14 hours those involved took it in turns to cycle as many miles as they could in 30 minutes, raising £1,400 for the Net Patient Foundation, the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to support people affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer.

Jacqui Hemingway and James Dobson, Virgin Trains Customer Service Assistants at Crewe station, created the fundraising event to support their colleagues, Lyn Gillan, 65, and Melvyn Gillan, 39, Customer Service Assistants, who are father and son.

They lost Alison, daughter of Lyn and sister of Melvyn, to a Neuroendocrine Tumour (NETs) just before Christmas last year.

Lyn said: “Melvyn and I have been touched by the support from customers and colleagues. The event was a brilliant gesture that helped to celebrate Alison’s life and raise awareness of this little-known cancer.

“We received an amazing response at Crewe station and are so pleased that lots of money has been raised for the NET Foundation.”

Heather Hodkinson, Virgin Trains Station Manager at Crewe, said: “At Virgin Trains we wanted to show our support for our colleagues, Lyn and Melvyn, and as we welcome record numbers of customers travelling to and from Crewe, it is a great place to spread the message far and wide.

“We had a great time raising money and awareness for the NET Foundation. We would like to thank everyone who supported us in our fundraising event and for the people of Crewe who donated generously to the cause.”

The Virgin Teams team plan to host another fundraising event later this year. Friends and family are also planning - with Lyn’s eldest son climbing Snowdon; and a family friend arranging an event at a pub on Dunwoody Way.