Trainspotting social media sensation Francis Bourgeois backs Severn Valley Railway's landslip appeal

The trainspotting social media sensation Francis Bourgeois has backed the Severn Valley Railway's landslip appeal after visiting the site to see the devastation for himself.

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Francis, who became a major star due to the success of his videos on TikTok, visited the site of the landslip, between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth stations, to see for himself how bad the damage is.

In a special film, being released at 5.30pm today (February 17) he explains to his more than five million followers on TikTok and Instagram what they can do to help.

The railway has warned that the landslip is likely to take months to repair - and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Famous trainspotter Francis Bourgeois talking to Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster at the landslip site. Picture: Gary Essex

The news is a hammer blow for an attraction which has faced a difficult period, suffering through the effects of Covid restrictions and the cost of living crisis.

Speaking after seeing the damage for himself, Francis said: "This is awful news. I was shocked at the true extent of the damage. From a railway enthusiast’s point of view, that section of line is my absolute favourite. This brilliant part of the SVR has now been cut off by the landslide."

During a tour of the site, Francis saw some of the investigation work that is taking place, which will help to determine the best course of action for repair.

He also heard how the railway has received offers of assistance from Network Rail and other mainline companies, as well as financial support from thousands of individuals.

Famous trainspotter Francis Bourgeois shown the damage by Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. Picture: Gary Essex

"It highlights how much this railway means to people really," added Francis. "It’s amazing to see how this hasn’t just pulled together the heritage community, it’s a railway wide operation now."

The SVR’s managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, showed Francis around the site, and said: "Like me, Francis was stunned to see how bad things are here. We definitely have a major task on our hands to put this right, and will be looking at a bill of hundreds of thousands of pounds, without doubt.

"It’s a massive boost to know that we have his backing to get this sorted out, and that he is reaching out via social media to millions of people."

Donations to the SVR Resilience Fund can be made at svr.co.uk.