King Cross opens his railway to raise money for Doncaster hospital

Generous locomotive enthusiast, Ian Cross, has opened his garden railway to the public for a whole weekend to raise money for the children’s ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Ian Cross (centre) and the staff from the childrens ward.Ian Cross (centre) and the staff from the childrens ward.
Ian Cross (centre) and the staff from the childrens ward.

Ian Cross, a retired teacher, started building his railway garden eight years ago as a hobby. Since then, the working model has expanded to cover an area over 21 square meters. Visitors to the garden had the chance to see miniature steam, battery and electric locomotives.

Ian donated all of the money made over the weekend, along with the takings from his wife’s home-made crafts stall to the children’s ward. Speaking of his donation, Ian said: “As a retired teacher, I’ve always had children’s best interests at heart and being able to get something good for them out of a hobby that I love is a great feeling.”

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Ian’s £50 donation was welcomed by all on the ward. Maxine Deakin, Play Leader at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals said: “The staff on the ward do an excellent job of making our young patients feel at home but we rely on generous people like Ian for the little extras that make the children’s ward a nicer place to be cared for.”

The funds raised at Ian’s railway weekend will be used to create an enhanced environment for patients and staff on the children’s ward.