YouTube train driver raises £55k for charity

Don Coffey's videos offer a front row seat to train journeys

A train driver has raised more than £55,000 for charity by offering a front row seat to rail journeys through his YouTube channel.

Don Coffey, from Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire, started sharing videos in 2017 to "showcase the beauty of train travel" and now has more than 51,000 subscribers.

One video, which gives a behind-the-scenes look from the cab of a high-speed journey from London St Pancras to Derby, has attracted over 700,000 views.

The 66-year-old, who works for TransPennine Express (TPE), said he had "never imagined it would grow this much", and donates the proceeds from his videos to charities that hold personal significance to him.

Mr Coffey's cab view footage is also used as part of TPE's driver training programme

Mr Coffey, who has been a train driver since 2003, tends to film routes across the TPE network, but has also filmed for other operators.

As his videos gained more viewers, YouTube informed Mr Coffey that his channel could generate income.

The Samaritans charity is now the main beneficiary of the money he raises, but he has also donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, The Red Cross, The Proud Trust and Martin House Children's Hospice.

He said: "It's wonderful to see how much support there is both from fans and people wanting to contribute to charity."

Mr Coffey (right) initially collected £270 in donations but this figure quickly grew as his fan base expanded

Mr Coffey said a highlight for him, so far, was when he was asked to film the Hull to King's Cross route.

"It was a fantastic opportunity," he added.

Olivia Cayley, head of the rail programme at Samaritans, said the charity was "extremely grateful" to Mr Coffey.

"Don's fundraising goes towards answering potentially lifesaving calls from people who are struggling to cope, and ultimately will enable us to continue what we do," she added.

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