Tag: Lumo

Special family trip to Edinburgh for brave heart hero Evie

A family from Tyneside was this week given the chance to make lasting memories after a challenging two years, thanks to South Shields-based children’s charity, The Charlie and Carter Foundation and its community partner, train operator, Lumo.

At five years old, Evie Green has already faced challenges beyond her years. Diagnosed with myocarditis at just four months old, Evie’s condition progressed to the point where, by the age of four, she was in urgent need of a heart transplant.

In the spring of 2023, Evie was placed on a Berlin Heart Ventricular Assist Device while awaiting a heart transplant. While the device was lifesaving, it meant she had to stay in the hospital and couldn’t run or play freely because she was connected to the machine.

After more than a year in hospital and a national call out for a new heart, Evie finally received a transplant in the summer of 2024 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. While Evie was in hospital her family was supported by The Charlie and Carter Foundation, which provides financial relief to families of critically ill children, so that they can stay by their side without the worry of financial strain.

Lumo, who selected The Charlie and Carter Foundation as its charity partner of the year for 2024/25, following a unanimous internal vote and as part of its ongoing commitment to the organisation, were delighted arrange a special trip to Edinburgh for Evie and her family to enjoy some much-needed family fun.

The day to the Scottish capital included a complimentary visit to Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura and even a ride in Lumo’s driver’s cab.

Sarah Cookson MBE, Co-Founder of The Charlie and Carter Foundation, said: “The biggest thank you to Lumo for organising this very special trip out for Evie and her family, helping them make precious memories to treasure forever.

“This beautiful and brave little girl has spent so long in hospital and her family have spent so long worrying, they deserve the world and more.

“Our charity provides financial support to families who care 24/7 for their sick children who are suffering from life limiting conditions and we know only too well how much they struggle and worry each day. 

“Days like these would have just been a dream before Evie received her gift of life. Thank you never seems enough, but thank you Lumo, it was a day they will remember forever.”

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have given Evie and her family a wonderful day out in Edinburgh. After spending so much time in hospital and missing out on experiences most children enjoy, providing them with a memorable day of fun together was truly the least we could do.

“We’re proud to partner with South Shields based Charlie and Carter Foundation, whose incredible work supports families like Evie’s right across the country. We look forward to continuing our efforts together to make a meaningful difference.”

Evie’s mum, Chloe Green, said: “We are very grateful to Lumo for providing a VIP day out in Edinburgh and to The Charlie and Carter Foundation for nominating our family for this special trip.

“Evie received a heart transplant last summer and was in hospital for 18 months overall, so it is so nice to be able to go on days out thanks to Evie’s special donor heart. We had a fantastic trip exploring Edinburgh, going to the zoo, Camera Obscura and walking along the Royal Mile and we will be forever grateful for this trip.”

Champagne Socialists?

Scottish business, community and political representatives join Lumo to celebrate Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2024

Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh and Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West joined Scottish business leaders and members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce on Friday at Lumo’s sustainable cocktail event to stir-up support for Edinburgh Cocktail Week.

In addition to supporting Edinburgh Cocktail Week, the event sought to mix mocktails and connect key decision makers within the city and beyond, to serve-up cocktails and conversations around driving environmental and economic growth within local communities.

The event, held at Juniper Bar within Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street was hosted by open access train operator, Lumo, which provides popular rail services connecting Edinburgh with Newcastle and London along the East Coast Main Line.

The event was in collaboration with Flawsome! Drinks, a company committed to sustainability by repurposing surplus ‘wonky’ fruit for soft drinks and sold onboard Lumo’s fleet of fully electric trains.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We’re proud to support Edinburgh Cocktail Week, an event that not only showcases the city’s renowned arts and dynamic culture scene but also promotes sustainable choices.

“Lumo’s partnership with Flawsome! Drinks is a reflection of our shared goal to reduce waste and advocate for a more sustainable future.

“We are also deeply committed to supporting the local communities we serve and are excited to have submitted plans to expand our services to Glasgow. This expansion will strengthen ties between two of Scotland’s key cities, fostering even greater opportunities for collaboration and a greener future.”

Attracting more than 25,000 visitors across 10 days, Edinburgh Cocktail Week showcases the city’s vibrant hospitality scene while significantly contributing to the local economy, something that Lumo aims to support through connecting customers along the East Coast route with the Scottish capital. 

Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, said: “I am absolutely committed to the UK hitting its net zero targets whilst also growing the economy in a way which helps create a fairer society. Sustainable public transport links connecting Edinburgh to key economic centres, like those offered by Lumo, are a key part of that. 

“Whether people are drinking cocktails or mocktails, Edinburgh Cocktail Week is also a great opportunity to help boost our tourist economy. 

“I am proud that Edinburgh attracts people from far and wide, and after a route of beautiful views, arriving in the city’s heart by train will always mean that visitors are emotionally stirred, not shaken.”

Lumo’s partnership with Flawsome! Drinks began earlier this year, introducing a refreshing twist to Lumo’s onboard refreshments with juice’s made from ‘wonky’ and surplus fruit, offering passengers a guilt-free, eco-friendly choice.

The cocktails at the event all included juices supplied by the sustainable drinks company with a range of spirits.

The event was supported by a range of organisations from across Edinburgh and Scotland, including the Holyrood Distillery which distils the whisky served on Lumo’s services to and from Edinburgh.

Lumo is celebrating three years of running services this month and has an approach to customer service that’s far from old-fashioned, recently serving-up a 96% customer satisfaction score.

With over 100 venues participating in Edinburgh Cocktail Week this year, including bars, restaurants, and hotels, the event not only boosted footfall but also provided a platform for venues to increase staffing and manage the surge in demand.

In addition to the bars and restaurants benefitting through direct involvement with Edinburgh Cocktail Week, local hotels and short-term lets also see increased bookings, as the influx of visitors drives demand for accommodation, providing a boost to the hospitality sector and supporting the wider local economy during the 10-day event.

The partnership between Lumo and Flawsome! reflects both companies’ commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing food waste and encouraging responsible consumption. The collaboration exemplifies how businesses can work together to address environmental challenges in practical and creative ways.

Lumo was the first long-distance train operator to replace plastic bottles onboard with sustainable alternatives and was named ‘Green Innovation Business of the Year’ at the recent North East Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Making Magical Memories for Mercy

Mercy Cuthbertson from North Tyneside is a six-year-old girl who has enjoyed a very special experience day in Edinburgh after Newcastle-based train operator Lumo learned of her passion for the company’s bright blue trains.

Mercy is bravely fighting an aggressive paediatric brain tumour. Her parents Lorraine and Paul have already raised more than £113,000 towards a target of £120,000 for some life-saving trials abroad.

Open access train operator Lumo contacted Mercy’s parents offering a special VIP day trip to Edinburgh where the family were invited to an exclusive performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the city’s Royal Mile followed by a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: “When we heard about Mercy’s story and her love of our trains, we began to create a truly memorable experience for her and her parents.

“We teamed up with Imaginate: The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Edinburgh Castle to help organise what was a very special action-packed visit to Edinburgh.

“As a company proudly based in Newcastle, we’re committed to supporting the communities on our route so today has been a joy to help make happen for Mercy.”

As part of the visit Mercy was invited into the driver’s cab after they arrived at Edinburgh Waverley where she posed for photographs with some of the onboard team from Lumo.

Mercy Cuthbertson travelling on a Lumo train

Lorraine Cuthbertson, Mercy’s mother, said: “Today has been incredible. We’ve been made to feel so welcome and enjoyed some magnificent magical moments that we’ll never forget. Mercy loved her visit to the driver’s cab on the train and meeting the unicorn at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.”

The whirlwind visit to Edinburgh was Mercy’s first time travelling on the all-electric Lumo train. She posed with a specially made giant ticket as a memento of her day before boarding at Newcastle on Friday morning.

Paul Cuthbertson, Mercy’s father, said: “She’s had a brilliant day and has been treated like royalty. It’s been so special, and I think everyone had a tear in her eye when she reached out and stroked the unicorn who she named Twinkle. Thanks to everyone who helped make today so unforgettable.”

Mercy’s fundraising campaign continues to receive generous support from people in the North East but has also received donations from around the world as her parents work tirelessly to raise funds in a bid to do all they can to help Mercy.

For anyone wishing to donate to Mercy’s campaign, they can visit here.

Great Chemistry: Lumo and Edinburgh Science Festival partner for a greener planet

Lumo, the all-electric train operator, has announced its renewed partnership with Edinburgh Science Festival for this year’s theme: ‘Shaping the Future’.

Taking place over two weeks, from Saturday 30 March to Sunday 14 April 2024, thousands are expected to attend the series of interactive events, talks and workshops showcasing how science can create a more sustainable, accessible, and equal future.

This partnership with the UK’s largest science festival will see Lumo proudly sponsor one of six trails at the City Art Centre, focusing on Innovative Engineers. The trail will feature three distinct workshops – Little Sparks, Energy Makers, and Chain Reactor – tailored to inspire children to engage in problem-solving and explore technology and energy.

Lumo will also take on the role of Climate and Sustainability partner, sponsoring the festival’s year-long series ‘Climate Co-Labs’. This programme consists of round table meetings that bring together senior leaders across sectors to accelerate Scotland’s response to the climate emergency.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We’re proud of our reputation for innovation and sustainability as we strive to reduce emissions in the transport sector.

“It’s thanks to great engineers and scientists that we’re able to deliver our all-electric rail service and, in partnering with Edinburgh Science Festival, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovative engineers – and, of course, transport them into Edinburgh for the science festival in the most sustainable way possible!”

Hannah Schlesinger Brodie, Director of Development and Marketing at Edinburgh Science, said: “We’re thrilled to have Lumo support the Edinburgh Science Festival once again.

“The chemistry between Lumo and Edinburgh Science Festival is a perfect match and will help many people to experience the excitement of the festival in a sustainable way.”

This latest partnership by Lumo adds to the already strong local commitment made by the company. Lumo trains are maintained at Craigentinny on the outskirts of Edinburgh and offer a range of locally sourced products onboard including Edinburgh Gin and Walkers Shortbread as well as the iconic Irn Bru.

Lumo customers can travel comfortably between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh knowing they’ll save 96 per cent CO2 emissions compared to taking a domestic flight between the two cities. The average fare for a single journey from London to Edinburgh also proves a huge saving at just £46.70.

The Edinburgh Science Festival takes place over numerous venues and locations around Edinburgh, attracting thousands of visitors to the city.

Thanks to Lumo’s fast services connecting Edinburgh with Newcastle and London, it’s the ideal choice for those planning a fun-packed trip to the Scottish capital.

Five floors of hands-on science fun

City Art Centre tickets go on sale on Monday

Tickets for the Edinburgh Science Festival’s City Art Centre – the flagship family venue – are released on Monday

Edinburgh Science Festival celebrates 35th anniversary this year. City Art Centre is sponsored by Cirrus Logic.

City Art Centre (30 March – 14 April) – five floors of hands-on science extravaganza for children between 3 and 12 years old. From making your own scab or slime to becoming an animal conservationist, investigating a crime scene or programming your own robot, City Art Centre is the most fun a family can have this Easter break! Allow 4-5 hours for the visit. On sale from Monday 26 February.