MERSEYRAIL today announced the launch of its ‘A Pound for Zoe’s Place’ campaign, aimed at supporting Zoe’s Place baby hospice in Liverpool, which is urgently fundraising £5 million to ensure its survival and secure a new home.

Starting today and for the next 4 weeks, customers purchasing rail tickets at any Merseyrail ticket office will be invited to donate £1 to help this crucial cause. The aim of the campaign is to raise vital funds for the hospice, which has an uncertain future.

The initiative follows the news that Zoe’s Place, which provides end-of-life and palliative care to children and respite for families, is facing potential closure. The hospice has long been a cherished institution in Liverpool, with overwhelming community support emerging since the news broke.

Speaking alongside local MP Ian Byrne MP, at a launch event at Liverpool Central earlier today, Merseyrail Managing Director, Neil Grabham, explained:- “Merseyrail has been at the heart of the communities we serve for over 20 years. When we heard about the challenges facing Zoe’s Place the whole Merseyrail team were focused on helping in any way we could. We know many of our customers will also be looking for a way to show their support. This hospice has been a lifeline for countless families, and we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to contribute to saving this vital service.”

Local MP Ian Byrne, who has been a leading voice in the campaign to save the hospice, added:- “So many great people and organisations have come together to keep Zoe’s Place in Liverpool and to urgently raise the funds needed to build the planned new world class children's hospice in the heart of West Derby, serving the whole of Merseyside. We are all working hard to make this happen for the incredible children, families and staff of this very special place in our City. It’s certainly a huge ask to raise £5 million in a matter of weeks, but if any city can do this, it’s Liverpool. Everyone involved with the campaign is extremely grateful to Merseyrail for this brilliant initiative to help get the fundraising campaign over the line.”

In addition to individual contributions from customers, Merseyrail will also be making a donation to support the hospice’s campaign. The City Region rail operator will also be facilitating any donations it’s staff might wish to make.

Merseyrail has a proud record of supporting local charities, with its Charity of the Year programme having raised over £1,000,000 for local good causes since its inception.

For more information on how to support the campaign, please visit the Merseyrail website or speak to staff at your local ticket office.