In an effort to raise money for the worthy cause, Siemens opened the doors to its Northampton train depot (home to 67 state-of-the art Siemens Desiro Class 350 trains operated by London Midland and maintained by Siemens). Entry to the ‘Whistle Stop Tour’ - attended by over 150 local people - was free, but Siemens staff raised funds on the day by holding cake sales, raffles and other activities. This raised an amazing £1200.85 which was further topped up with a £500 donation from Siemens.
The charity was suggested by Siemens employee Diane Highton, whose daughter Alex works for Gosset Ward. Diane said "As my daughter works on the special care baby unit I often hear about the fundraising efforts of the staff for much needed equipment, so it was great that we were able to support such a worthwhile cause."
Alison McCulloch, Community Fundraiser for Northampton General Hospital Charitable Fund, added: “I’d like to thank everyone involved from Siemens in raising this incredible amount. There is a new equipment priority for Gosset Ward: Photo Therapy Lamps. These lamps are used to treat babies with jaundice, a liver condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes and is common in premature babies. The money raised by Siemens will be used to purchase new lamps for the unit.”
One of the most popular activities held during the Whistle Stop Tour was a competition to name the four Siemens maintenance teams based at the Northampton depot. Local lad Alex Tuttle Prowse (aged 13 from Weston Favell) won the competition. His entry of four local Northampton names connected with the railway was chosen to be an excellent fit with the work that Siemens undertakes at Kings Heath. The four teams are now named: Blisworth, Castle, Brampton and Ironstone.
ENDS
Notes for the Editor:
About Siemens
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 169 years ago and now employs 12,972 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.4 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
Siemens Rail Systems
As part of the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector, Siemens Rail Systems Division provides expertise and technology in the full range of rail vehicles – from heavy rail to metros to trams and light-rail vehicles. In the UK, the Division employs around 650 people and maintains over 350 Siemens passenger trains for First TransPennine Express, South West Trains, Heathrow Express, National Express East Anglia, Northern Rail, London Midland and ScotRail.
For more information, contact:
Laurie Waugh, Head of Communications – Rail Systems
Siemens plc
Tel: +44 (0)7921 242074
Email: laurie.waugh@siemens.com