Celebrating Two Years of Partnership with Trainline

This week, we’re celebrating two years of working with Trainline to help bring missing people home – and what an incredible journey it’s been.

Since November 2023, Trainline has used its app to share real-time missing people appeals. These alerts are shown to customers based on their location, helping them play an active role in the search by staying vigilant in their area.

Thanks to this partnership, our appeals have now reached millions across the UK. Trainline even won awards for using technology to make a meaningful difference – and we couldn’t be more thankful.

A vital resource, approved by a grieving father

The very first appeal shared on Trainline was for 14-year-old Andrew Gosden. Andrew went missing in 2007 after taking a train from Doncaster to King’s Cross station in London, making the launch especially meaningful. His dad, Kevin, said:

“If this had existed back in 2007, Andrew’s image could have been displayed to thousands of people in the area where he went missing. Anything that helps raise awareness is vital.”

Since then, Trainline has shared 250 appeals, viewed over 215 million times and clicked on more than 340,000 times. Most importantly, 92 people featured in these appeals have been found safely. Every single one represents a family reunited and a story of hope.

Marking one year at the House of Commons

The positive impact of the partnership was recognised across the industry, earning the campaign significant media attention and an incredible 16 awards in its first year – including two at that year’s PRCA Awards. These accolades highlighted the commitment of both Missing People and Trainline to using technology for real-world change, helping to reunite families and bring missing loved ones home.

To mark this successful first year, a reception was held in the House of Commons, attended by MPs and peers, including Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP and Transport Select Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury MP.

A story of hope: Deante James

The partnership continued to bring hope to families this year, including that of Deante James, a 17-year-old who went missing from London. During his missing episode, Deante was found by British Transport Police to be travelling on public transport, making Trainline a key way to spread the word as part of widespread publicity efforts. After thousands of people saw his appeal on the app, Deante was found safe and well.

Thank you, Trainline

We’re deeply grateful to Trainline for their commitment to helping missing people. Their support shows how technology and compassion can work hand in hand to change lives.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this success and finding new ways to reach people when it matters most. Because every missing person deserves to be found – and every family deserves answers.