Orphan fund

AFTER working in the rail industry for 35 years, RMT member Tom Angus has decided to take part in this year’s London Marathon in aid of the union’s Orphan Fund. ON APRIL 17 Tom will be rising early and running just over 26 miles across London to celebrate the 125th year of the orphan fund. This fund is the biggest of its kind in Britain and it has paid out more than £7.5 million to 50,000 orphans since 1880. Tom’s decision to run for the orphan fund is particularly poignant as a year ago he survived the terrible events at Tebay, when a runaway trailer killed four of his work gang. Tom is now back at work and says that the worst is over. “I have no physical injuries so it is great to do something positive for those that have lost loved ones,” he said. Challenge Tom admits that the Marathon, the world’s biggest fun run, is a daunting challenge but remains quietly confident. “It gives you an incentive to get round that course when you know that others will benefit as a result,” he says. At 59, Tom keeps in impressive shape by coaching a local football club, Lancaster City Juniors. He now runs six days a week in preparation for the big day, doing a five mile run at least once a week. So how long does he think it will take him to run the Marathon? “I’m aiming at five hours but we will see,” he says. Tom is also watching what he eats before and after the big run. “I have been told that a tuna sandwich is very beneficial after a run like that but I’m not sure if the shops will still be open when I cross the line!” he says. After Tom crosses the finishing line in London he will be taking himself and his family off for a well-earned rest on a seven-day cruise in the Mediterranean he won in a competition. Who could say he doesn’t deserve it? G If you are your branch would like to sponsor Tom please fill in the form below and return to Unity House. RMT news – Orphan Fund On your marks - get set - go! I…………………......…/…….……………… branch wishes to sponsor Tom Angus to run the London Marathon in aid of the RMT orphan fund. £………………………………. Payable to RMT orphan fund. Send to: RMT orphan fund, Unity House, 39 Chalton Street London, NWI 1JD 13 ✃