It has been announced that Mark Hopwood CBE, Managing Director of GWR, has become a Patron of the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF.
“I am delighted to be joining the team of TBF patrons. The railway is a family, and it is important that we come together to offer support when needed,” says Mark.
TBF Patrons include leading figures in the major transport groups and the trades unions. They offer a deep understanding of the importance of staff welfare in operating a successful business.
Michael Gibson, TBF’s Ambassador for the South West, Wales and GWR in particular, says: “TBF is delighted to have Mark on board as a Patron. He is a great advocate for the charity and supports TBF visiting GWR sites to engage with staff and promote the benefits of being a TBF member when life doesn’t quite go according to plan. We are most grateful for the help and support offered by all of our Patrons.”
TBF is a not-for-profit membership charity that embraces everyone in Great Britain engaged in the public transport industry and related services. Membership costs just £1.25 per week, which is less than 20p per day, and covers the prime member, their live-in partner and dependent children. If need, hardship or distress arises, TBF offers a wide range of health, welfare, and financial benefits.
The charity currently has just under 68,000 members, and, to illustrate the relevance of the charity’s work, during the quarter January 1st to March 31st 2026, it paid out £895,541 to members.
It is becoming increasingly popular for TBF membership to be paid for by the employer as part of the employment package, helping to improve members’ work-life balance and reducing staff turnover.
It is easy to join TBF, visit www.tbf.org.uk and sign up. Once logged in, members can personally access their account online via the membership portal.
Image credit: TBF (Michael Gibson (left) from TBF welcomes GWR’s Mark Hopwood as a TBF Patron).