A Liverpool fundraiser who has helped raise more than £80,000 for families affected by domestic abuse has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Alex Rigby has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to charity following his extraordinary fundraising efforts through the Running the Railways challenges, organised in partnership with Merseyrail and local charity Centre 56.
Based in Kirkdale, Centre 56 provides vital support to families and children affected by domestic abuse across the Liverpool City Region. Alex’s fundraising efforts over the past two years have played a significant role in helping the charity continue its important work.
The honour follows the success of the Running the Railways events in 2024 and 2025, which collectively raised more than £80,000 as part of Merseyrail’s Charity of the Year programme. Alex’s nomination for the BEM was jointly submitted by Merseyrail and Centre 56 in recognition of the difference his fundraising has made to families across the region.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Alex recognised in this way. What he’s achieved through Running the Railways is nothing short of inspiring.
He’s shown what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose, and the difference partnerships like this can make for our communities. The funds raised will have a lasting impact for families supported by Centre 56, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
Centre 56 provides specialist support for vulnerable families, offering safe nursery provision alongside support services for women and children. The funding raised by Alex has helped the charity continue and expand that vital work.
Lesley Burrows, Executive Director for Centre 56 said:
“Alex has this amazing ability to unite and inspire people and we’re so grateful to have him in our team at Centre 56. Through Running the Railways, Alex introduced Centre 56 to communities across the city region who absolutely embraced us.
The legacy of that event continues to have a positive impact for our families and will do so for many years to come. We couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved and to see him receive this recognition.”
Running the Railways has become a powerful example of partnership with purpose, bringing together colleagues, charities and communities to support local communities.
The 2024 event saw Alex run to every station on the Merseyrail Northern Line. In 2025, he went one step further, running more than 100 miles in 27 hours to visit every station on the Merseyrail network.
On learning of his honour, Alex Rigby said:
“I was so shocked when I got the letter and it’s taken a while to sink in. Centre 56 means a lot to me, I’m proud of the incredible work that Centre 56 does to support families that rely on us and it’s great to see the amazing impact people’s donations make every day. Running the Railways was one of the hardest and best things I’ve ever done, but I never imagined it would be recognised like this! I’m grateful to everyone who supported us, ran with us and donated and I’d really like to share this honour with them.”
Despite receiving national recognition, Alex is already preparing for his next challenge.
Starting at 5pm on Friday 26 June, Alex will once again lead the Running the Railways team in an ambitious 24-hour fundraising event, aiming to raise at least £1,000 for every hour they run.
The challenge will see participants complete a 5k run every hour, on the hour, for 24 consecutive hours between Freshfield and Hightown stations. By the finish line on Saturday 27 June, the team will have covered around 120km in a relay effort – the equivalent of almost three marathons back-to-back.
The event will once again bring together runners, supporters and Merseyrail colleagues, many of whom are giving up their own time to take part and help raise funds for Centre 56.
All money raised will go directly towards supporting the charity’s work with families experiencing domestic abuse across the Liverpool City Region.
Those wishing to support Alex and the team can find more information and donate via the Centre 56 fundraising page.
