British operator GB Railfreight has made a valuable delivery that didn’t require one of their regular freight services. The company has made good on a two-year partnership with Prostate Cancer UK. A partnership between the freight operator and the male health charity has contributed over 200,000 pounds (more than 238,000 euros) to the fight against the most common cancer in men.

Both GB Railfreight and Prostate Cancer Uk are investing millions in their respective fields. The rail freight operator has ploughed some of their efforts back into helping the charity in their work, concentrating on finding better treatments and tests that can spot fast-growing cancers early.

A good old-fashion great big cheque

When a leading rail freight operator and cancer charity got together, they celebrated their successful two-year partnership in style. The obligatory big cheque was unfurled at a gala event hosted by GB Railfreight. They may not be the most fashionable financial instruments, but a vast money order always makes for a better photocall than a digital bank transfer.

Technological advancement may be at the heart of modern freight operations, but a good old-fashioned paper trail makes all the difference when you’re handing over precisely 200,728 pounds (around 230,000 euros). It’s also worthwhile when you have a trainload of celebrity guests to satisfy. Among those seeking a hand in the handover was Lord Peter Hendy, the chair of the UK government’s overarching infrastructure maintenance and management agency Network Rail. Also lending a famous face was engineer, adventurer and TV personality Rob Bell, whose railway credentials extend to four series of the critically acclaimed “Britain’s Lost Railways” and patronage of the Campaign for Borders Rail, which seeks to re-establish an Anglo-Scottish mixed traffic route between Carlisle, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

Delighted to be part of the celebration

GB Railfreight posted a thank you to all their staff, volunteers, and everyone from Prostate Cancer UK who have helped to fundraise over the past two years. “This money raised will go to vital research into understanding what causes this terrible disease, which affects one in eight men”, said the company. “We all want a future where lives are not limited by prostate cancer.”

“Get checked; it’s easy”, said John Smith, the ever-accommodating chief executive of GB Railfreight. “It can save your life”, he urged and invited guests to visit the Prostate Cancer UK website to start the quick and simple process.

Answering his own international legion of followers, Rob Bell posted his thanks to both GBRf and the charity. “Huge congratulations to GB Railfreight for this extremely successful partnership with Prostate Cancer UK”, he said. “I was delighted to be part of this celebration.”