The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Train Driver of the Year

Colin Barratt

Said the following about Rob Cooney - **HAS LEFT**:

“Rob is a train driver based at Preston depot and currently works high speed on the West Coast main line between London Euston and Glasgow Central. On 26th August 2016 whilst working a service from Preston to Glasgow Central, Rob's train was brought to a stand and informed by the signaller to proceed at caution as there had been a report of a trespasser on the railway between Lancaster and Oxenholme. Shortly after proceeding Rob observed a male standing in the four foot on the opposite line. He brought his train to a stand got out the driving cab and spoke to individual. Realising that the person was in a poor state of mind, Rob used his excellent communication and people skills and displayed a great deal of care and compassion and was able to persuade the individual to board the train were Rob placed him with on board staff. Rob then spoke with signaller to get the BTP to meet the train at Lancaster station.

Two months later Rob received a letter from the individual concerned explaining that after the incident he spent a month in hospital receiving treatment and thanking Rob for his care and compassion on that day and his intervention and actions prevented him from taking his own life.“