The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust’s Raise the Roof appeal has passed a major fundraising milestone, with £254,558 now raised towards its £1 million target in just over two months.
The appeal, launched in early June, aims to fund the construction of a heritage Great Western Railway-style platform canopy at Kidderminster Town station, completing the original vision for the railway’s award-winning southern terminus.
The Charitable Trust has thanked the hundreds of supporters whose generosity has helped the appeal reach a quarter of its overall target so quickly. Donations from individuals, businesses and supporters across the heritage railway community have combined with a significant recent boost from a legacy left to the Charitable Trust.
The completed canopy will provide improved shelter for passengers and create an impressive architectural feature. Part of the structure will be built using authentic salvaged steelwork from the former Great Western Railway station at Wolverhampton Low Level, preserving an important piece of railway heritage while enhancing the visitor experience for generations to come.
Judith Meredith, chair of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, said:
“To have reached well over £250,000 in such a short time is a tremendous achievement, and we’re enormously grateful to every single person who has supported the appeal so far. Whether someone has made a small donation or a much larger contribution, every gift is helping to bring this exciting project closer to reality.
“We’re also incredibly thankful for the remarkable legacy that has recently boosted the appeal. It is a powerful reminder of the lasting difference that gifts in wills can make. The kindness and foresight of one supporter is now helping to create something that will benefit the railway and its visitors for generations, and we cannot thank them enough for that extraordinary act of generosity.
“Although we’ve reached a significant milestone, there’s still a long way to go. We’d encourage everyone who loves the Severn Valley Railway to consider supporting the appeal. Together, we really can complete this iconic project and give Kidderminster Town station the magnificent finishing touch it deserves.”
Gus Dunster, chief executive officer of the Severn Valley Railway, said:
“The response to the Raise the Roof appeal has been exceptional and demonstrates just how much affection people have for the Severn Valley Railway.
“This canopy is far more than a practical improvement. It will complete a vision that has been decades in the making, transforming the experience for our visitors from the moment they arrive. Kidderminster is the front door to the railway, and this project will create a gateway that truly reflects the quality, heritage and ambition of everything beyond it.
“We’re delighted with the progress made so far and hope this milestone will encourage even more people to become part of the story.”
Kidderminster Town station has been developed over several decades to reflect the quality and character of a traditional Great Western Railway station. The new canopy will complete that transformation while providing much-needed shelter for passengers waiting to board trains.
The Trust continues to offer a variety of ways to support the campaign, including direct donations and sponsorship opportunities for individuals and organisations wishing to play a lasting role in bringing the canopy to life.
For further information about the Raise the Roof campaign or to donate, visit https://www.svrtrust.org.uk/raisetheroof