Mark Fielding-Smith of AtkinsRéalis is a force of nature when it comes to charitable work and raising money for causes close to his heart. He was certainly a worthy winner of this year’s RailStaff Award for Charity.
The Railway Children is of particular importance to Mark, and during his time in the rail industry he has had a leading role in raising over £150,000 to help the charity keep vulnerable children off the streets.
He is the visionary and pioneer of the Ride the Route charity bike ride – a three-day bike ride involving several organisations from the East Coast Digital Programme cycling over 350km along the East Coast Mainline route. On top of this, he has also led the Ride the Route Gala Dinner – another very successful event which is now a yearly occurrence.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am,” said Mark. “This award means so much to me and the team that have made this happen. It’s been two emotional, incredible years creating something new that will run year-on-year for the Railway Children, doing so much good for vulnerable children.
“I’d like to give my deepest thanks to Rebecca O’Donnell who nominated me, and who has been an exceptional supporter of the charity and given up so much time to make it all happen.”
The Award for Charity was sponsored by the Rail Delivery Group, which works on behalf of the rail industry to create a simpler, better railway for its customers.
Highly commended
Susan Temple, ScotRail
Alex Garnett-Scherer, Transport for London
