Britain's rail companies give wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans free travel to Invictus UK Trials

The Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019, which is delivered through a partnership of Help for Heroes, the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion, will run from 22-26 July in four locations around Sheffield – the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield Hallam University Athletics Track and a closed cycle circuit around the City.

Over 350 competitors, supported by their friends, family and carers, will take part in up to nine sports – Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

On behalf of all rail companies, the Rail Delivery Group has offered commemorative passes to all competitors, partners or carers who are helping to support the athletes to and from Sheffield, as well as volunteers. This will provide free rail travel:

• to Sheffield or Meadowhall stations from any station in Great Britain between Friday 19 July and Friday 26 July
• from Sheffield or Meadowhall stations to any station in Great Britain between Monday 22 July and Saturday 27 July.

The Rail Delivery Group has sent the passes to 149 people who have taken up the offer.

As well as a packed sports schedule, a wider programme of activity will take place across the City, supported by Invictus UK’s delivery partners and Sheffield organisations.
Once in Sheffield, Stagecoach Supertram will offer competitors and their companions with a tram endorsed accreditation pass for free tram travel during the trials.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Operating Officer at the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“The rail industry is delighted to offer free travel for the inspiring people taking part in the Invictus UK Trials next week, as well as their companions. Working together, we’re helping to connect communities all across Britain with Sheffield and make it a really exciting event.”

Antony Baines, Director of Operations at The Royal British Legion, said:

“Behind every Team UK member, there are friends, families and carers who have helped get them to the start line. We are delighted that train companies recognise this contribution and are extremely grateful of the free transport they are providing to competitors, their partners and carers. A life-changing injury or illness has a huge impact on both the individual and those around them, so it’s only right that the competitors have the support of their loved ones at the Invictus UK Trials next week.”

Rail companies can also support passengers with assisted travel, which can be booked by phone, textphone or online. The rail industry is working together to change and improve accessibility across the network, including introducing thousands more accessible trains, upgrading stations and improving technology for booking assistance.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The commemorative Standard Class Off-Peak rail passes are valid for travel to Sheffield or Meadowhall stations from any station in Great Britain during the trials.
• Customers can book passenger assistance using the national freephone number on 0800 022 3720, which will forward them to the train company they need. By textphone, customers can use the free textphone forwarding service on 60083, which will send them the number they need. Customers can also book online at disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/travel-assistance/.