Harpenden woman and Bedford colleagues take on walking challenge for Luton homeless charity

Come rain or shine, a Harpenden woman and her Thameslink colleagues will be taking part in a walking challenge to raise money for some of Luton’s most disadvantaged.

Rebecca Vandyke, who is a Train Service Operations Manager based at Bedford station, was inspired to raise money for the Luton-based charity Noah after witnessing the “amazing” work the organisation does to help people who have fallen on hard times.

Noah provides a range of support for people who are struggling against homelessness and exclusion. The charity helps people with everything from IT skills, interview techniques and language skills to assembling furniture and fitting kitchen appliances.

Rebecca, 36, who grew up in St Albans and lives in Harpenden, said: “There’s a massive list of things they do to help the most disadvantaged. That’s why I’m passionate about the charity. I’ve seen first-hand the great work they do. They are local to us and help people that we might come across daily.”

She added: “We did a cake sale in December at Bedford station that raised about £900 for Noah. I was heavily involved in that and just speaking to one of the reps at Noah and hearing how they used the money to help people is just amazing.”

Rebecca is more used to blister-inducing walking challenges of 100km but decided to organise a circular 10km route from Bedford station so that more of her colleagues would feel able to join in. She said: “People are always asking me when the next challenge is, but when I tell them how long it is they are a bit discouraged to join me. 10km isn’t as long as what I would normally do, and hopefully colleagues, and their friends and families will want to join in.”

The walk will take place on 11 August.

If you would like to donate, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RebeccaVandyke