Richard Branson backs IoS appeal

I would strongly urge you to support The Independent on Sunday's Christmas Appeal in aid of the Railway Children charity. The staff at Virgin Trains have been involved in fund-raising for the charity for the past two years. Our staff are actively involved in the charity's annual 'Mad Day' fund-raising event and we run a special train each year to ferry walkers between Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pyke for their 'Three Peaks Challenge'.

I support every effort they make to raise money for this wonderful charity - which went as far as my getting naked for their calendar!

One of our friends, Brenda Klug, has recently returned from a project in Itarsi, central India, and she was unbelievably impressed by the work that they were doing. But even there, the girls using the Railway Children Day Centre have to return to the platforms at night to sleep. Your money could go towards building them a much-needed hostel, so please give - this charity genuinely makes a difference.