Steven Toogood

Said the following about Simon Shattock:

“Simon was working on a train in May. He was patrolling his train after departure and as he got to the vestibule area between two coaches, found a customer who seemed visibly distressed. At this time, the train was doing approximately 90-100mph through a station.

Simon approached the customer and asked them how he could help. Simon was careful with his wording. He didn't want to ask what was wrong, but instead asked how he could help in an attempt to be more positive in what looked a very distressing time for the customer.

The customer then muttered something that Simon could not hear and made a sudden attempt to leap through an off-side droplight window as the train was still moving at high speed. Simon reacted very quickly and held on to the customer, bringing them back in to the safety of the train.

Simon stayed with the customer until the train arrived safe. Simon then alerted some members of the BTP who were travelling on his train. The BTP members of staff then took the customer into their care, witnessed by a Customer Host working on Simon's train.

What struck me most about Simon was that when I called him to check on his welfare, he was more concerned with what the Customer Host saw and wanted to ensure they were ok. He asked me to touch base with their line managers so that the Customer Host could be met as soon as possible. I think that is very admirable to consider others after going through such an experience.

Simon was subsequently nominated for a GWR Gold Award and was successful. Again, he did not wish to think of himself and got a thank you card for the Guards Managers as a thank you for nominating him. Once again, it says so much about Simon. He is always thinking of others and thinks nothing else of his heroic effort other than that it was business as usual and part of his role.“