In an inspiring show of unity and determination, colleagues from Great Western Railway (GWR) walked an astonishing 114 miles overnight to raise vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
The heartfelt ‘Walk to Paddington’ event transformed Gloucester Station into a beacon of hope, as GWR staff took turns walking in pairs along the UK’s longest continuous rail platform. Over 19 hours, they covered the symbolic distance from Gloucester to London Paddington, step by step, to honour team members affected by, and raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Among the emotional highlights of the night was GWR Driver Mike Speck – who recently completed treatment for the disease – crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with Tracy Bannon, an administrator at Gloucester depot. Tracy’s father-in-law passed away from prostate cancer, making the moment deeply personal and powerful.
Mike, who was diagnosed in February of 2024 said: “I had no symptoms to indicate I was unwell, however after my annual physical, which is arranged through GWR, I decided to get the PSA blood test. This led to a scan, which confirmed I had prostate cancer. If I hadn’t had this routine test, I wouldn’t have been any the wiser that something was wrong.
“My colleagues were incredibly supportive during my treatment. They visited me in hospital and kept me updated on daily life at work. I’m never happy doing nothing, so I even brought my tablet to hospital to complete my online training courses!
“My grandfather was a steam locomotive driver, and my granddaughter Holly is also a driver. The railway is in my blood and my colleagues are my extended family; I want to share my story to give men like me the courage to get checked.”
The idea for the event was the brainchild of GWR Train Managers Stuart Gardner and Adam Broadhurst.
Stuart said: “We’re always looking for new and inventive ways to give back to our communities and we’ve sadly had a number of colleagues at Gloucester depot and station who have been impacted by prostate cancer, whether it’s having it themselves, or seeing a loved one go through it.
“Gloucester station has the longest continuous passenger platform in the UK, giving us the perfect stage to create an event that colleagues could all take part in.
“It felt right to not only support our colleagues who have lived through some really tough times, but to also raise awareness in what to look out for and how to seek help.
“We’re committed to supporting our colleagues every step of the way.”
GWR Engineering Director Simon Green, who held the ribbon on the finishing line, commented: “It’s been wonderful coming down to Gloucester station today to cheer on our colleagues from stations, depots, on-board, and our headquarters, as they take part in this phenomenal fundraiser. I want to thank everyone who has taken part, along with our friends at Prostate Cancer UK for their support.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team who have taken so much time and care into organising this event. I have no doubt their stellar efforts will make a significant – and positive – impact on the lives of both our colleagues and those in our local communities who are living with prostate cancer.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in England, affecting one in eight men. In the South West, 5,036 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, according to the latest data. More than one in five of these men are diagnosed when their disease has spread and can’t be cured.
Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK said: “We’re so grateful for the innovative support from the wonderful teams at Great Western Railway and Gloucester station around this challenge.
“Forget rush hour, their 114-mile ‘Walk to Paddington’ was a marathon not a sprint and we wished everyone taking part the best of luck as they pounded the platform non-stop across two days.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and an early diagnosis can save your life, but Mike’s story is a stark reminder that more men still need to be aware of the risk of this disease. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’s online risk checker.
“The team at Great Western Railway and our amazing fundraisers across the UK are a brilliant demonstration of people coming together against prostate cancer. From running, cycling, walking and baking, they’re all doing something great to fund more ground-breaking research and work towards a screening programme, to catch prostate cancer early and save lives.”
Image credit: GWR