The RailStaff Awards 2024

Rich Acres

G&W UK/Europe Region

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Nominations for Samaritans Lifesaver Award

Jaye Dry

Said the following about Rich Acres:

“I would like to nominate Freightliner Train Drivers Rich Acres and Wayne Winfield, and Reading Train Crew Team Leader/ Instructor Graham Etheridge, for this year’s Samaritan’s Lifesaver Award as their quick-thinking and compassion undoubtedly saved the life of an elderly lady in September 2019.

On the day of the incident Rich and Wayne were in training with Graham carrying out Class 59 handling for the Mendip contract between Bristol and Merehead Quarry. On the return from Merehead back to Bristol, Rich was driving when he received a phone call on the GSMR radio from the Signaller informing him that a person was spotted lineside somewhere south of the station at Freshford.

They proceeded with caution and found an elderly lady on the opposite side of the line walking on the troughing/cable route with her trolley bag and handbag. She was wet, cold, extremely confused and upset, and looked as if she was praying for somebody to help her.

Fearing that this incident could turn tragic at any moment, Rich stopped the train and Graham spoke to the Signaller to obtain a line blockage to stop any approaching trains. They then got out to speak to the lady, and saw that she was very vulnerable and in clear distress. With the wind and rain now increasing, the men decided it was best to get the lady into the cab, which was a challenge given her limited mobility and the need to do this safely and swiftly. They managed to get her onboard, all the while reassuring her that she was safe and that they would look after her.

The men then gave her a lift to the station at Freshford and requested the next passenger train going through to stop and pick her up. The men waited with her until it arrived to ensure she made it safely onto the train and wasn't left alone.

It was very fortunate that Rich, Wayne and Graham were able to find the lady, because if she had fallen down the embankment or made it onto the viaduct this story could have had a very different ending.

Since the incident Rich’s Tweet about the rescue has had more than 540 likes, 100+ retweets and almost 50 comments – which has helped to raise awareness of the dangers of the railway and how railway workers keep the public safe on a regular basis.“