Supertram launch new charity initiative

South Yorkshire Supertram – now a publicly operated network following the ending of Stagecoach’s contract in March – has announced a new charity initiative which will help to match its employee’s charity fundraising and support the local community.

To be known as “Tramendous Together”, the initiative is designed to support and increase the impact of colleagues charitable efforts. It will match any donations that are raised by up to £2,000 per year.

In a statement announcing the new initiative, SYMCA say: “Tramendous Together is built on the foundation that when we work together, we can achieve greater outcomes. It is an embodiment of the Supertram team’s collective values and dedication to not only providing exceptional service to its passengers but also to making a difference in the wider community.”

Donations will be matched up to £500 per quarter and the first charity to benefit is Sheffield Hospitals Charity following a Euro 2024 fundraising campaign by Supertram colleagues. The funds will specifically go to the Jessop Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a cause that holds special significance for two members of the team; David Johnson and Stephen Selby.

David, Supertram Tram-Train driver, said: “Jessops Neonatal Intensive Care Unit took great care of our twin granddaughters, who were born at just 26 weeks, weighing 2lb3oz and 1lb9oz. The twins were in their care for 107 days before they came home. We are so grateful to the NICU and its staff, who all do a fantastic job, and it means so much to us that they are receiving this donation.”

Stephen, a Supertram Conductor, said: “In November 2010, my wife, Gemma, was rushed to Jessops by ambulance, and a couple of days later, our son Edward was born 13 weeks premature. Gemma had lost a lot of blood, and without the specialist care at Jessops Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, it’s possible neither would have survived. 14 years later, both are doing well; Edward is a typical teenager, and despite being born prematurely, he’s now well over six foot tall and doing great at school.”

Keith Swallow, Head of Finance and Commercial for Supertram, added: “We are incredibly proud to launch ‘Tramendous Together’, which signifies our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities our network serves. We are particularly thrilled that Sheffield Hospitals Charity, supporting Sheffield’s beloved NHS, is the first beneficiary of the scheme. This initiative is a testament to our team’s dedication to making a difference. We believe that together, we can contribute to positive change in a very real and impactful way.”

Lauren Thorpe, Community Fundraising Officer for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, commented: “We are delighted to receive an amazing £572.18 from the team at Supertram. The funds raised will help the Neonatal Unit at The Jessop Wing. David and Stephen’s stories are truly inspiring and a great representation of how incredible the staff are at Jessop. Thanks to donations from our generous supporters like the team at Supertram we can continue to support Sheffield’s NHS.”