Volunteer's epic 33-mile walk raises much-needed funds towards restoration of historic East Sussex railway
A volunteer raised more than £1,200 to aid a charity's project to restore a historic railway by walking across the South Downs.
George Adams, who has autism, epilepsy, and learning difficulties, raised £1,250 for the Robertsbridge Buildings Appeal through a sponsored 33-mile walk and by holding a craft fair which he organised with his mum's help.
The fundraising was in aid of the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust (RVRHT).
It said the funds will go directly towards supporting the construction of an engine shed, the next phase of development at Robertsbridge Junction Station.
The station will become the western terminus of the Kent & East Sussex Railway when the reinstated section from Bodiam is complete and fully operational in 2028.
Over the past year, George, 26, who enjoys exploring places on foot and by train, has been steadily walking various sections of the South Downs, starting in Eastbourne, the trust said.
The penultimate stage, beginning in Arundel in West Sussex and ending in Petersfield in Hampshire, took place over two days in July, with George accompanied by his carer David.
After an overnight stop, George completed the final 16-and-a-half miles and then returned home by train, the trust said.
George described the walk as 'very entertaining' and said he was 'very, very proud' to have raised such a large amount 'because it helps the railway'.
The trust said George intends to walk the remaining distance to Winchester next year.
George volunteers regularly at Robertsbridge Junction Station.
Helen Douglas, appeals director for the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust, said: “George’s dedication has been inspiring to all of us. Walking 33 miles across the South Downs to raise money for our important Buildings Appeal is an extraordinary effort, and he has every reason to be proud.
“George brings energy, kindness and commitment to his volunteering at Robertsbridge, and we are very lucky to have him as part of the team.”
George’s mum, Louise Adams said: “We are incredibly proud of George. Thanks to a scheme by the Parchment Trust, George has been volunteering with support for a year now at the railway.
“The difference in his confidence has been incredible; he’s made friends, enjoys being part of a team where he is accepted exactly as he is, and he’s thriving in an environment he’s passionate about.
“It means the world to see him working so happily towards something he truly loves.”
George’s achievement forms part of the wider fundraising efforts for the RVRHT Buildings Appeal, launched more than eight months ago, which is now about £100,000 short of its total £350,000 goal.
The Rother Valley Railway is a registered charity restoring the historic railway between Robertsbridge and Bodiam.
The charity said wherever possible, original features of the line are being retained, with recovered materials used to recreate a rural light railway built to modern standards.
Funded by charitable donations, when complete, it will be handed over to K&ESR to run the trains.
Originally opened in 1901, the railway line follows the original route through the Rother Valley, taking in Tenterden, Rolvenden, Wittersham, Northiam, Bodiam and is now to be extended to Robertsbridge, offering connections to London and Hastings via the national rail network.