Youngsters from Newcastle-based charity North East Sight Matters enjoy day out with TransPennine Express

The youngsters, from North East Sight Matters (NESM) a Newcastle-based charity that helps sight impaired children and young people to try different experiences.    

TPE provided free train travel for the group, between Newcastle and York, giving them an opportunity to explore the historic city and build confidence when using the railway. While on the train they were met by TPE colleagues who chatted to them throughout their journey.  

Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Experience & Transformation at TPE, said: “We are delighted to support NESM in their mission to provide opportunities for sight impaired young people – and we hope everyone enjoyed their day out in York. I would also like to thank my colleagues at TPE for their part in making this outing happen. 

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make services even easier to use and more accessible for all our customers."     

The group had a fantastic day exploring York, including a visit to the National Railway Museum, where they learned about the history of trains and experienced interactive exhibits. The day continued with a trip to the Jorvik Viking Centre, where the children were immersed in the sounds and smells of Viking-age York. 

Penny Dane, Director at North Sight Matters said: This has been a wonderfully kind gesture from TPE, the staff involved with the organisation and on the train were so helpful and supportive and have given these children, young people and their families the opportunity to enjoy a day packed with experiences they may not otherwise benefit from. 

“Some of the sight impaired young people mentioned how they felt more confident about train travel now they had experienced it. Younger children were just so excited to be on this outing. 

“We can’t thank TPE enough for supporting the work we do and enhancing our day out in York by making the journey there and back so accessible.”