A GROUP of thrill-seekers is set to take their fundraising to save a bridge along of one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque railways to new heights.
Volunteers and staff at charity North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) will bungee jump 42 metres for the Bridge 42 Appeal to save the Larpool Viaduct in Whitby on September 20.
The Grade II structure, built in 1836, is the busiest bridge on the NYMR.
Around 10,000 trains, including steam engines, use the bridge - which provides a vital link to Goathland and Grosmont - each year.
The appeal hopes to contribute to the £800,000 needed to repair the busiest bridge on the NYMR
(Image: NYMR)
A spokesperson for the NYMR said: “The NYMR is more than a tourist attraction – it is a vital heritage, economic, and community asset that boosts the regional economy, protects railway heritage, and supports local livelihoods.
“Detailed inspections have been carried out and show that significant structural work is required to ensure the bridge remains safe and fit for the future.”
They added: “As a registered charity, the NYMR relies on the generosity of supporters to fund projects of this scale.
‘“Donations will directly support the repair and strengthening of the Bridge, helping to protect the long-term future of the railway, preserve an important piece of engineering heritage, and keep steam trains running through the North York Moors for generations to come.”
The repairs will cost around £800,000 in total.
Almost half has already been raised by supporters, but the fundraisers say they are keen to keep pushing.
Bridge 42 supports 10,000 locomotives each year on their commute from Goathland to Grosmont
(Image: NYMR)
Peter Fisher, digital marketing campaigns lead at the NYMR, said: "I’m taking part as I would love for the railway bungee crew to raise an extra £10,000 towards the important Bridge 42 appeal.
"It’s been great to see the group of us come together for this, from various areas of the railway all with the common goal of raising money to protect the heritage railway we love so much.
“It's very exciting and such a different way of raising funds for the NYMR.
“Thank you to everyone for their donations so far, each one really does make a difference."
The bridge needs temporary stabilisation to keep it viable and safe for the 2026 season.
A spokesperson said: “During the operational season, NYMR will finalise a full repair programme for Bridge 42, scheduled for implementation over the winter of 2026/27. “This programme will restore the bridge to its long-term structural integrity and ensure its preservation for future generations.”
To donate and find out more on the Bridge 42 Appeal, please visit here.