Railway worker visits almost every station in UK in aid of charity

A railway worker who set out to visit every train station in the UK has admitted that his charity drive has gone "really well" but is now "pining for his own bed".

34-year-old Dave Jones from Sussex began his journey around the UK at Three Bridges in West Sussex in Mid-February.

Since then, he has been on a mission to stop at all 2,580 stations across the country, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Of the money raised for the initiative, some 25% has been spent on attempting the challenge itself, with the remaining money going towards Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at Oslo's University Hospital.

On average, Jones was able to stop at 62 stations a day, taking pictures on the platform of each station and is looking to finish his challenge on Easter Sunday (March 31st).

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Jones explained there were "a few hiccups because of the weather" - some of which being disrupted due to flooded stations.

As a result, the poor weather conditions had prevented him from visiting 14 stops along the way.

He added that on a number of services he was able to sleep on trains that had beds, as well as staying in hotels where necessary.

The first two weeks of his charity drive were done whilst Dave was still working, before he took his annual leave to take on the bulk of his challenge.

"There's a couple of times I've been able to get a bus replacement service and the driver has actually been quite good and let me get off where the bus pulls up by the station, get a quick photo and get back on," Dave explained.

Sometimes I haven't been able to (get off the train) when it's been early morning for the commute and when the school kids have gotten on, it's just so packed that you can't move."

When asked what his favourite and least favourite train station was in the country, Mr Jones admitted he was most fond of St Ives' train station in Cornwall.

"When you come in on the train, it curves around and you see the pier and the beach and you see the reasons why that area is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cornwall and it provokes memories of being a small child and going on holidays."

However, his least favourite station was "probably Croydon" in South London, "just with the sheer volume of people".

Looking back on his challenge, Dave said he was proud of what he achieved but was now looking forward to getting back to normal life.

"I'm ready to head back. It's been so much fun and I'm looking forward to the stations I've got left but I'm pining for my own bed and some home comforts," he joked.

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