c2c has relaunched its Gold Geese train at Southend Central for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Look for unit 357010 in the charity's new design.

A c2c train in the colours of Gold Geese, the south Essex childhood cancer charity, is back in service with a new design. It was unveiled at Southend Central on Monday 21 September to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The refreshed wrap is on unit 357010, so that is the number to look for on the platform. It carries the charity’s yellow logo on pink doors and the line “Go Gold for Childhood Cancer” along the carriage side. c2c says the train will travel across its whole network (c2c).

Four years on the line

The first Gold Geese train entered service in September 2022. c2c says it has since travelled more than 400,000 miles, which it puts at nearly 19 times around the world.

The partnership goes wider than the train. c2c lists:

  • the Gold Geese “Goslings” fun run on Southend seafront in July 2025, which c2c backed
  • last year’s c2c Ultra Marathon, which raised £20,000 for the charity
  • a Gold Geese waiting lounge at Westcliff station, opened earlier this year and painted in the charity’s yellow by local artists Letters Be Together
Two men in dark jackets and a woman in a yellow jumper stand on the platform beside the pink and white Gold Geese train, whose doors carry the charity's yellow circular logo
At the launch, from c2c's release: Southend Council leader Cllr Daniel Cowan with Gold Geese Family Support Worker Natalie Turner and Southend United Commercial Manager Rylee Doe. Photo: supplied by c2c

Who was there and what they said

Gold Geese family support worker Natalie Turner joined staff from Southend United and the leader of Southend City Council, Councillor Daniel Cowan, at the launch.

Cllr Cowan said the design “will help raise awareness of the incredible work the charity carries out across our community”. He added that “Gold Geese relies on donations to continue providing its essential services”.

Katie Southgate founded Gold Geese and is its chief executive. She said the train “brings a smile to many of our Gold families when they see it travelling across the network. We’re thrilled to see it return with a fantastic new look.”

c2c is now part of GBR Anglia, which brings c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one leadership. Its Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Rob Mullen, called Gold Geese’s support “invaluable” to local families.

What Gold Geese does

Gold Geese supports families across south Essex whose children are having cancer treatment. c2c’s release lists what it offers:

  • mental health support
  • respite experiences
  • help with transport
  • food vouchers
  • bereavement support

What it means for you

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the charity’s message on the train is “Go Gold”. The train shows the charity’s web address, goldgeese.org, which is where to donate, volunteer or ask for support if your own family needs it.

If you spot unit 357010 at Southend Central, Westcliff or Leigh, that is the refreshed train. The Westcliff station lounge is there to see every day.

Sources