c2c unveils Gold Geese train to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, local rail operator c2c Railway - now part of GBR Anglia, bringing together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one leadership structure - has unveiled a new train wrap celebrating the vital work of its long-standing charity partner, Gold Geese.

The newly redesigned train was officially launched this morning at Southend Central station to celebrate the incredible work of the South Essex charity, which provides practical and emotional support to families of children and young people facing cancer. The eye-catching train will travel across the c2c network, helping raise awareness of childhood cancer while highlighting the partnership between the railway and the charity.

Representatives from Gold Geese, including Family Support Worker Natalie Turner, joined colleagues from Southend United Football Club and Leader of Southend Council Cllr Daniel Cowan at the launch. Together, they marked the unveiling of the refreshed train and spoke about the importance of raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting local families affected by the disease.

Speaking at this morning’s unveiling, the Leader of Southend City Council, Councillor Daniel Cowan, said: “I am delighted to be here this morning to officially unveil the newly refreshed Gold Geese train.

“This striking design will help raise awareness of the incredible work the charity carries out across our community, while also celebrating its long-standing partnership with c2c.

“With September marking Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this is a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on Gold Geese’s vital work. Gold Geese relies on donations to continue providing its essential services, and I hope this newly refreshed train helps inspire even more people to support the charity’s mission and make a difference to local families facing childhood cancer.”

c2c has supported Gold Geese for many years through fundraising, awareness campaigns and community initiatives. Most recently, the charity partnership was celebrated last year at the ‘Goslings’ fun run, a family-friendly fundraising event held on Southend’s seafront last July. It also benefited from last year’s c2c Ultra Marathon, which raised £20,000 for the charity.

The refreshed train follows a series of successful partnership initiatives. Earlier this year, c2c and the previous Mayor of Southend Cllr Nigel Folkard officially opened a Gold Geese-themed waiting lounge at Westcliff station. Designed and delivered by local artists, Letters Be Together, the transformed waiting area is painted in the charity’s instantly recognisable yellow palette and serves as a lasting reminder of the partnership’s impact within the local community.

Gold Geese provides personalised practical and emotional support to families across South Essex whose children are receiving cancer treatment. The charity offers a range of services, including mental health support, respite experiences, transport assistance, food vouchers and bereavement support, helping families navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Regular c2c customers will already be familiar with the original Gold Geese train, which first entered service in September 2022. Since then, it has travelled more than 400,000 miles across the network, equivalent to travelling around the world nearly 19 times and helping spread awareness of Gold Geese’s mission every day.

The refreshed design, which can be seen on unit 357010, features Gold Geese’s distinctive branding and celebrates the charity’s unwavering commitment to supporting children and families affected by cancer. The new train will continue to serve as a powerful moving symbol of hope, resilience and community support across the c2c route.

GBR Anglia’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Rob Mullen said: “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children and families affected by cancer and to recognise the incredible charities that support them.

“Gold Geese provides invaluable support to local families at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership and delighted to unveil a refreshed train that will continue to raise awareness and celebrate the charity’s inspiring work across our network.”

Katie Southgate, Founder and CEO of Gold Geese, added: “The Gold Geese train has become an iconic symbol of support for the families we work with and for everyone affected by childhood cancer.

“We are incredibly grateful to c2c for their continued commitment to our charity. The train helps us share our message with millions of people, raises awareness of childhood cancer and brings a smile to many of our Gold families when they see it travelling across the network. We’re thrilled to see it return with a fantastic new look.”