Alison Hume MP has joined passengers on a special train service designed to support people living with dementia and their carers along the picturesque Esk Valley line.
Alison Hume MP has joined passengers on board the Forget-Me-Not Dementia Train, demonstrating her continued support for people living with the condition and their dedicated carers.
The special service is organised by the Esk Valley Railway Development Company and offers a relaxed, welcoming, and inclusive journey along one of the country's most picturesque railway lines.
The train is specifically designed to create enjoyable shared experiences that help reduce isolation and provide meaningful moments for those affected by dementia.
Passengers travelled from across the region to join the Middlesbrough-bound service at Whitby, with some attendees coming from as far afield as Hartlepool to take part.
Passing through local stations such as Sleights, Glaisdale, Grosmont, and Lealholm, guests enjoyed music and conversation throughout the journey. The calm and social environment allowed everyone on board to make the most of the stunning scenery before returning home.
Ms Hume, who was elected to represent Scarborough and Whitby in 2024, has strongly advocated on behalf of carers. During her trip, she discussed the Esk Valley Railway Development Company community partnership with president Alan Williams, his wife Lisa, treasurer Neil Buxton, and president Pete Myers.
Alison Hume said:
"Travelling on the train and meeting so many inspiring people was a truly rewarding experience."
"It was brilliant to see how much people were enjoying themselves and what a positive difference it made for everyone onboard."
"Speaking with the people who were travelling on these special reserved carriages, it was clear how much they value the service. So a big ‘Well done’ from me to everyone who works so hard to organise them, Northern Rail for helping to make them happen and everyone who gave up their time to speak with me."
Alison Hume added:
"Carers do an incredible job, often with very little recognition. Being part of the Forget-Me-Not Dementia Train shows just how important it is to create inclusive experiences that everyone can enjoy together."
Entertainment on board the train was provided by the Dave Clegg Duo. Their performance of much-loved musical favourites proved incredibly popular with the passengers.
The familiar songs sparked smiles, conversation, and singalongs, underlining the powerful role that music can play in supporting those suffering from dementia, a condition which affects almost one million people across the country.
In addition to the music, complementary hand massages were also available to passengers, while therapeutic animals have travelled on previous services to provide comfort.
The Esk Valley Railway Development Company is running more Forget-Me-Not Dementia train services throughout the year, with dates scheduled for the seventeenth of June, the nineteenth of August, and the twenty-first of October.
Furthermore, a festive Christmas Jumper Special is scheduled to take place on the sixteenth of December.
The specially organised trains have attracted national acclaim and are even set to feature on the BBC’s much-loved television programme, Songs of Praise.
People with tickets, which are available via Northern Rail ticket offices or online, can board or disembark at any station along the route. Standard low fares and railcard discounts apply to the journey, while further reductions are available for Disabled Railcard holders and their carers.
Alison Hume said:
"This is an invaluable community resource which makes a huge different to the lives of so many people living in our area."
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