More than 200 people from across the rail industry came together on Thursday 26 March for Night At The Station, an overnight fundraising event for Railway Children that saw participants spending a night in train stations across the UK to support vulnerable children living alone and at risk.

Stations including Manchester Victoria, Birmingham New Street, London Liverpool Street, London Marylebone, London Waterloo, Nottingham, Plymouth and Leeds opened their doors after hours as railway colleagues braved an intentionally cold and uncomfortable night.

The annual event, sponsored for the fifth year by VolkerRail, and supported by Network Rail, challenged participants to spend the night with only basic shelter, food and drink, and the support of friends and colleagues. While the experience can never replicate the harsh realities faced by thousands of children worldwide, it aims to shine a spotlight on the dangers they confront every day.

During the early hours at Manchester Victoria, participants witnessed first-hand why the work of Railway Children remains vital. Security staff from Northern Rail encountered three young people who were alone in the station and appearing vulnerable.

Remarkably, the security officer involved had completed Railway Children safeguarding training just one week earlier. Drawing on that training, he was able to identify the risks, approach the young people safely, and ensure they received the immediate support and professional help they needed.

The incident served as a powerful reminder to those taking part of the very real challenges vulnerable children face at stations every day – and the essential role that trained rail staff, and the wider rail community, play in protecting them.

Thanks to the commitment of the rail community, this year’s event raised over £60,000, taking the total generated by the event (formerly known as Big Station Sleepout) since its inception to more than £900,000.

Railway Children CEO, Rob Capener, who took part in the event said “Night At The Station is always an incredibly powerful demonstration of what our industry can achieve when it comes together. While the night is tough, it offers just a glimpse into the discomfort and insecurity that far too many children face every day. The funds raised will help us reach even more young people before their situations become desperate, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who took part and to VolkerRail for their continued support.”

Night At The Station marks the first major fundraising event in Railway Children’s 2026 calendar. The charity has a full programme of challenges and activities throughout the year, including Yorkshire Three Peaks Trek on 8 May 2026 and Ride The Route Cycling Challenge 3-6 September 2026.

Further information, sponsorship opportunities and registration for all events can be found at: railwaychildren.org.uk/events