A WIRRAL charity for people living with Parkinson's disease is among four good causes chosen by Merseytravel to support over the next two years. 

Every two years, employees from the train operating company help pick four charities based in the Liverpool City Region to support. Charities to be backed over the next two years are Centre 56, Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Blackburne House and Parkinson’s Wirral.

Fundraising will take place through events, promotions and network wide collections.  

Over the last two years, more than £100,000 has been raised for The Paper Cup Project, Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm in Bidston, KIND, and Sefton Women’s & Children’s Aid.

Sally Ralston BEM, community involvement manager at Merseyrail, said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with these superb charities and helping them in the vital work they do throughout the Liverpool City Region.

“Thanks to the generosity of our customers and staff we have helped to support many charities over the last 20 years, and we’re delighted to be carrying on this good work with these four organisations for the next two years.”

Centre 56 is a domestic abuse charity in the heart of North Liverpool who provide childcare, information and support for families and children who have suffered, or are at risk of, domestic abuse or a crisis situation.

Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, rescue and rehome animals in the Merseyside area. All animals are neutered, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms prior to homing.

Blackburne House supports the development of local - and often vulnerable - women. With a core focus on education, the charity enables women to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Parkinson’s Wirral offers friendship and support locally to people with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers.

All four charities will be the focus of support, fundraising efforts and events by the community involvement team at Merseyrail.

Neil Grabham, managing director of Merseyrail, said: “I’m so proud of the incredible charity work that has been a hallmark of Merseyrail staff and customers over the years.

"It’s vitally important to us that Merseyrail contributes to supporting the Liverpool City Region and helping it remain as a wonderful place to live.

"We’ll be working closely with our new official charity partners over the next two years on some exciting and fun events, and I know that Merseyrail customers will give us their usual superb support.”