Train enthusiasts can get their hands on a piece of Sunderland's railway history when an auction sells off sought-after memorabilia to raise money for charity.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is auctioning off nameplates in aid of their charity partner, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) which works to prevent suicide.
The nameplates up for auction are: 43308 Highland Chieftain, 43300 Craigentinny and one Crest, 43238 National Railway Museum, 43208 Lincolnshire Echo, 43257 Bounds Green, 43274 Spirit of Sunderland, 43290 MTU Fascination of Power.
The nameplates are from the iconic Intercity 125 High-Speed Trains that were retired from the East Coast route last year.
They will be sold at auction on November 14, 2020, with the nameplates being previewed on the G.W.Railwayana Auctions website from July 26, 2020.
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: "LNER has a proud history and has had some truly famous trains serve our customers over the years.
"Names such as the Highland Chieftain and Spirit of Sunderland are synonymous with the railway and have helped celebrate the regions along the East Coast route.
"The auction provides people with a chance to own a piece of railway history while supporting an important cause."
Money raised from the auction will go towards funds LNER has raised to support CALM, already totalling more than £200,000.
The charity works to prevent suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths a day.
Funds raised to date are from LNER employees taking part in fundraising activities, as well as customers donating ‘Delay Repay’ claims to help support the CALM.
CALM Chief Executive Officer, Simon Gunning said: "We’re incredibly grateful for LNER’s continued amazing support, and for auctioning these iconic pieces of train history.
"Since lockdown, we’ve experienced record levels of demand for our helpline services, and thanks to LNER’s generosity we’ll continue to save lives and be there for those who need us."
Further information about the auction preview and sale can be found online: www.gwra.co.uk
