PHOTO: WORLDWIDE VISITORS ENJOY THE ‘MINIATURE’ RAILWAY IN LILLIPUT: James, Michelle and Andrew (from Surrey), Cubie (from Hong Kong), Janice and David (from Lilliput) and Sam (from Kenya) © Andrew Funnell
Lewis-Manning Hospice is on target to break its own fundraising record with Luscombe Valley Railway, having raised an impressive £5,297.80 when the popular local attraction in Sandbanks opened its doors to the public last weekend.
Luscombe Valley Railway have once again nominated to support the Lilliput-based charity, having done so previously three years ago, and now hope to smash the £10,000 total achieved in 2010. Richard and Connie Knott, have lovingly and meticulously assembled the railway collection, which includes a five inch gauge, ground-level, passenger-carrying railway, as well as a traction engine, steam lorry, full-sized steam car and a 26ft steam launch in the grounds of their home in Lilliput, Poole.
The couple run 4 charity events annually and have so far raised over £7,000 from the April and July events for Lewis-Manning, who offer free specialist palliative nursing care to hundreds of local people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. There will be an Autumn Run on 7 and 8 September followed by an opportunity to meet Father Christmas on 21 December, with both events opening from 11am–4pm.
Elizabeth Purcell, Lewis-Manning Hospice, CEO commented, “Richard and Connie Knott have very generously supported Lewis-Manning Hospice in the past and we are extremely grateful to them for choosing us again. The Luscombe Valley Railway is loved by everyone and we are delighted, not only to receive valuable funds for the hospice but also to be associated with such wonderful events. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Lewis-Manning Hospice in doing so.”
