Stevenage colleagues showcase baking prowess for youth charity

Stevenage colleagues have raised hundreds of pounds for a worthwhile cause by following in the footsteps of Mary Berry.

Commuters at Stevenage station were greeted by a spectacular spread of sweet and savoury treats this morning, baked by Great Northern staff and being sold in aid of the youth charity, the Prince’s Trust. As well as the bake sale, staff have also been holding a raffle and will be tackling a 90-mile fundraising bike ride next month in aid of the trust.

Stevenage Station Manager Marc Edwards, who bought brownies for his young son and daughter, said: “There has been some amazing baking on show here today and I can't believe how much money has been raised."

Marc added: "It’s nice for the staff to give back to the Prince’s Trust, who have given so much to young people. Many of these young people have in turn given so much to Govia Thameslink Railway.”

GTR and the Prince’s Trust have a long-running partnership, providing valuable opportunities for young people to gain work experience on the railway, helping them to increase their skills, confidence and motivation to enter employment on the railway.

Some of the young people may have struggled at school or faced challenging personal circumstances such as bereavement, ill health, injury or be living in temporary accommodation. Some may simply be struggling to get into work. Whatever their background, they are listened to and supported while taking part in work placements and in many cases, being rewarded with a job offer.

Paula Hillard, Engagement Manager at GTR and co-ordinator of the scheme with the Prince’s Trust, commented: “At GTR, we believe that everyone should have the chance to embark on a stable and rewarding career. Today, far too many young people are struggling to find work and, as a result, they’re giving up hope for the future. Working with the Prince’s Trust allows us to provide these young people with an opportunity to find fulfilling roles on the railway. We share many of the same values as the Prince’s Trust when it comes to training up the next generation. And as our partnership with them continues, we look forward to providing more young people with the chance join our GTR family.”

In total, £830 was raised from the bake sale today (Friday, September 6).

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GoviaThameslinkriders