Variety, the Children’s Charity is celebrating the success of a unique fundraising challenge after a team from Alstom’s Reading Depot pulled a 25-tonne historic steam locomotive entirely by hand at Didcot Railway Centre on 1 July 2026.

Sixteen Alstom colleagues took on the one-hour endurance challenge, pulling No. 1340 Trojan, a locomotive built in 1897, along a 250-metre stretch of track.

Together, the team covered an impressive 1,500 metres while raising vital funds to help Variety continue supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

The event, Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge, was the brainchild of Che McCarthy, Project Supply Chain Leader at Alstom, and brought together colleagues, partners and visitors, who cheered the team on throughout the challenge.

Hauling a 25-tonne steam locomotive by hand was a huge achievement and a brilliant day for everyone involved. We’ve brought together colleagues, partners and the public to support Variety, and that’s something we’re really proud of.” – Che McCarthy, Project Supply Chain Leader, Alstom.

Che explained: “It started as a simple idea in the office – wondering whether we could actually move a locomotive ourselves – and quickly grew into something much bigger.

“In the lead up, the team trained together, building the same trust and coordination we rely on every day in the depot. That shared effort is what made it possible, and it’s even more rewarding knowing we’ve done it for such an important cause.”

The fundraising challenge exceeded its initial £1,000 target, with participants raising more than £1,500 so far. Donations will help Variety continue providing life-changing support, including specialist equipment, accessible experiences and practical assistance for children and young people facing disadvantage.

Part of the fabric of British rail for two centuries, Alstom is the UK’s leading supplier of new trains and train services with 63% of the UK’s installed train fleet supported by the company.

At Reading Depot, the Alstom team provide technical support and spares supply for the Class 387 fleets based there, which are operated by both Heathrow Express and Great Western Railway respectively.

The challenge took place at Didcot Railway Centre, home to the historic No. 1340 Trojan. Built by the Avonside Engine Company in Bristol in 1897, the locomotive spent much of its working life on dock lines in Wales for the Great Western Railway.

It was a joy to be part of such a creative and inspiring challenge, with every penny raised helping us continue to transform more young lives across the country.” – Imogen Galsworthy, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Variety.

“We are so grateful to Alstom for choosing to support Variety, the Children’s Charity. It was a joy to be part of such a creative and inspiring challenge, with every penny raised helping us continue to transform more young lives across the country. Thank you Alstom!” said Imogen Galsworthy, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Variety.

The event was supported by Didcot Railway Centre, Alec’s Angels, who provided specialist equipment and guidance, and three members of staff from Great Western Railway, who joined the Alstom team for the challenge.

You can donate to Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge here.