Train Driver Raises £55k for Charity.

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A train driver from Derbyshire has raised an impressive £55,000 for charity through his popular YouTube channel, which offers viewers a unique front-row seat to rail journeys.

Don Coffey, a 66-year-old train driver for TransPennine Express (TPE), started sharing videos in 2017 to “showcase the beauty of train travel.” Today, his channel boasts over 51,000 subscribers and has attracted millions of views.

One of his most popular videos, which provides a behind-the-scenes look from the cab of a high-speed journey from London St Pancras to Derby, has garnered over 700,000 views. Coffey’s videos typically feature routes across the TPE network, although he has also collaborated with other operators.

As his channel’s popularity grew, YouTube informed Coffey that he could monetize his content. He has since donated the proceeds to various charities that hold personal significance to him, including The Samaritans, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Red Cross, The Proud Trust, and Martin House Children’s Hospice.

“It’s wonderful to see how much support there is both from fans and people wanting to contribute to charity,” Coffey said. A highlight of his YouTube journey was when he was invited to film the Hull to King’s Cross route. “It was a fantastic opportunity,” he added.

Olivia Cayley, head of the rail program at Samaritans, expressed her gratitude to Coffey, saying, “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.” 

The charity is “extremely grateful” for Coffey’s support, which has made a significant impact on their work.

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