Model railways provide joy for people all over the world and now a set in the US is taking on a bigger foe – pancreatic cancer.
Peggy Keyes from Lake Lure, North Carolina, was left devastated when her husband died from the condition but it inspired her to come up with a unique way to honour his memory. She explains to Mother Nature Network that he was a big fan of miniature railways so she bought a building and filled it with an impressive model set.
She did not stop there however, as the railway is now a museum which Ms Keyes runs with the help of volunteers and friends. All of the proceeds goes towards fighting pancreatic cancer and what makes it even more impressive is the fact that Ms Keyes is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer herself.
The Right Track To a Cure For Pancreatic Cancer sees railway enthusiasts come from all over the region. Visitors are treated to a full working layout with a flying aeroplane, a replica of Chimney Rock and a drive-in diner complete with a roller skating waitress.
"Look at where I am now. Ten years ago I would have been dead. Now here I am clearing out my basement after some water damage, running a model railway museum, and generally getting on with my life," Ms Keyes told the news provider.
"We need to make the same kind of progress for pancreatic cancer as we have with breast cancer. Yet things really haven’t progressed with our treatment of the disease in nearly 30 years. It’s awful."
Ms Keyes' museum shows that model railways can do far much more than simply pride entertainment for adults and youngsters alike. With the summer holiday season fast-approaching it is the perfect opportunity to visit some of the UK's most popular miniature railway attractions and have a day out that all the family will enjoy and for a relatively cheap cost.