NY Moors Railway COVID-19 Appeal

NY Moors Railway COVID-19 Appeal

Regular readers of the NYE will be aware of the NYE’s support for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a wonderful asset for Yorkshire. Owned and operated by a 10,000-member community-based non-profit Charitable Trust, the NYMR delights more than 350,000 passengers every year – more than any other heritage railway in the world. Taking visitors on picturesque journeys along a 24-mile railway line aboard heritage steam trains the railway passes through stunning scenery, from wooded valleys to beautiful countryside, stopping at charming villages and spectacular scenic locations.

The NYMR gives pleasure to hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, thereby improving the tourist trade and local prosperity. It has also been used as a film set for historical dramas including Downton Abbey and Dad’s Army, giving millions of people pleasure from viewing quality films and TV programs.

I was therefore concerned to read this appeal on the NYMR website:

NYMR COVID-19 Appeal

In light of the current government advice, we have made the difficult decision on Wednesday 18 March, to delay the opening of North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s 2020 season until further notice.

While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the railway, the wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our absolute priority. Matters of health and safety have our complete attention, which has led to this closure.

Due to this WE NEED YOUR HELP. The NYMR is a registered charity (501388) and without operating this would have a substantial impact on its future. Please help by donating to give the railway a fighting chance to be able to ‘steam on’ in its current form once the pandemic is over.

• The NYMR can’t claim insurance compensation for business interruption.
• The government has not offered monetary aid to charities.
• The only government help currently available would put the railway into significant debt, which may take years to pay off.

We could potentially lose up to £1 million over the upcoming weeks. Figures of this magnitude could threaten the very existence of the railway. Please help now and support the NYMR to ensure we survive.

To donate, text ‘NYMR’ to 70085 to donate £10. This costs £10 plus a std rate message. Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20. E.g. If you text ‘NYMR 1’ = £1, ‘NYMR 4’ = £4. Thanks! If you would like to donate via cheque or BACS please complete this Donation Form.