Alex Rigby has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours after raising more than £80,000 for Centre 56. He is now preparing for another railway-themed fundraising challenge.
Alex Rigby, a 34-year-old from Liverpool, has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours for his dedicated work in support of a local domestic abuse charity. Rigby’s fundraising efforts are centered around a series of ultramarathon events he calls “Running the Railways.” Through these events, he has successfully raised more than £80,000 for Centre 56, a Liverpool-based organization that provides support for families and victims impacted by domestic abuse, trauma, and crisis. The charity holds a personal significance for Rigby, as he has a close connection to its work and has witnessed firsthand the impact of its services during his time working in the prison service.
Reflecting on his commitment, Rigby shared, “The reason I want to support them is it’s very close to where I live. It’s something that’s struck a chord with me from a very young age.” Rigby's fundraising journey began in 2024 when he ran 56 miles to visit every station on Merseyrail's Northern Line. He subsequently expanded the challenge the following year to cover the full network, completing 109 miles that included the rail tunnel beneath the Mersey. Rigby describes the recognition as a shock, stating, “It’s surreal, to be fair.
It’s something that you don’t expect.” Despite the honor, he remains focused on his mission, expressing a desire to do more to help people and continue the work he started. He emphasizes that the recognition only serves as further inspiration to support those in need, noting that it is not a reason to stop.
Currently, Rigby is preparing for his next endurance challenge: a 24-hour effort where he will run a 5-kilometer route between two stations every hour. Throughout his journey, he credits his mother, who he describes as his biggest supporter from a young age, and his girlfriend, Hannah, for their unwavering encouragement. Rigby maintains that his ultimate goal remains a celebration of the work done by Centre 56 and the creation of lasting memories for those associated with the charity.
