THE RAILWAY BENEFIT FUND

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2012 :: RMTnews 18 The Railway Benefit Fund charity (RBF) is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing help and support to members of the railway family in need. Since it was set up in 1858, it has worked to one purpose: To provide care and financial aid to railway personnel in need. Like the rail industry, the charity has changed with the times but the objectives remain the same: being there for members of the railway community when they are in need. Today it reflects the needs and concerns of those working in this rapidly changing industry, offering wide-ranging assistance to active and retired railway people and their dependents. It relies entirely on the generosity of supporters to continue providing this help. Railway workers like you can make a real difference to the lives of your colleagues when they face unprecedented hardship. Grant amounts vary, and are carefully assessed to ensure not only that appropriate assistance is provided where needed, but also that supporters’ contributions are put to the best possible use. The charity now receives more requests than ever for help with domestic crises, financial difficulties and unexpected hardships. Among the help recently provided was funds given to a guard who was struggling to pay for his mother’s funeral. The RBF granted him enough to cover the shortfall and, in his own words: “When I received the call to tell me I was to be helped I was reduced to tears and could not speak. The professional manner, compassion and sincerity I received from all of your staff will stay in my mind for the rest of my life. Your help means so much that I cannot express how much of a relief it is for me and how much stress you have taken from my shoulders”. Of course, nobody thinks that the worst will happen to them, but all too often circumstances can change without warning. That’s why the RBF is appealing to you, as members to the railway family, to ensure we can continue providing help wherever it is needed. Like many of the people helped by the RBF, James Graham, a conductor, found himself in need of assistance when his life was changed without warning. James and his partner have two sons, aged 12 and seven. In February 2011, their youngest son, Noah, was taken to hospital with what was thought to be asthma related problems. The hospital was unable to help and he was referred to another hospital in Liverpool. While there, it was discovered his heart was in serious difficulty. There were only two hospitals that could treat Noah and both were many miles from the family’s home – Great Ormond Street in London, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The family opted for Newcastle and it was there they learned that Noah needed a replacement heart, and would have to stay in hospital. Noah’s mother gave up her job straight away so she could stay with him in Newcastle while James divided his time between Preston and Newcastle. The RBF was able to provide a £600 Single Benevolent Grant plus a £400 Child Care Grant to help with the extra costs the family faced, and to make a contribution towards Noah’s welfare. RMT general secretary Bob Crow is clear about how vital the RBF is to current railway workers: “Today there is as much need for the RBF as ever. “It’s an excellent organisation that brings often desperately needed help to colleagues experiencing financial hardship. I would urge all RMT members to give the RBF all the support they can,” he said. There are many ways in which you can help the RBF to continue providing vital assistance. Become a member, a supporter or make a one-off or regular donation. For more information, visit the RBF website: www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk. THE RAILWAY BENEFIT FUND Each year the Railway Benefit Fund charity (RBF) helps up to 600 people, typically giving out between £500,000 and £1 million in financial support.