Lisa Gillman

Said the following about Andrew Reid:

“Andrew Reid Railstaff Lifesaver nomination – Completed by Lisa Gillman, Duty Station Manager Ealing Broadway, supported by Paula Durrans, Head of Security, Great Western Railway and Dean Haynes, Station Manager, Ealing Broadway, Great Western Railway

I would like to nominate Andrew Reid, Station Assistant, Great Western Railway.

In April 2016 Andrew had commenced his turn of duty at the Station when he quickly spotted what he describes as a “vulnerable man”. Andrew first noticed the man at approx. 1306 when he was sat on the bench with his head in his hands, Andrew approached him and asked if he was ok, the man replied and said yes. Andrew was still concerned for the man’s well-being and noticed that he did not board the next train, along with all the other customers on the platform. Andrew continued to pay close attention to the man, and it was at this point that a PA announcement was made warning that a fast passing train was approaching and for customers to remain behind the yellow line. On hearing this the man got up and went to the edge of the platform and stayed there. Andrew again approached the man and told him to stand back, the man had his back to Andrew. The man made no attempt to move therefore Andrew went in front of the man and told him to stand back. Andrew quickly understood what the man’s intentions were, and it was at this point that he forcibly pulled the man back from the edge of the platform. The man passively resisted and Andrew grabbed the man’s coat and glasses and moved him to a position of safety in a nearby staff office. Andrew immediately comforted the man which resulted in the man stating “I can’t believe I was about to do that”. The man asked Andrew to call some people for him. Despite this emotionally challenging incident Andrew kept calm and in do so he also was able to support the man and summon the assistance of the man’s family and work colleagues. Without doubt Andrew’s calm, attentive nature and quick actions prevented a possible suicide..

The man’s partner contacted Mark Carne, CEO for Network Rail to commend Andrew for his actions, the following is an extract:

"I am writing to quite simply commend the actions of one of your staff. An incident occurred yesterday at a station in London. My partner who has been under considerable pressure at work recently made his way to the station on the afternoon, unfortunately we now know, not with the intention of catching a train. Due to my partner’s distressed state, he was spotted immediately by Mr Andrew Reid, your station manager. He approached by partner to check that all was well. My partner informed him that he was ok. Andrew then walked away but continued keeping an eye on him. My partner was sitting at platform 4 in Southall station where the fast trains go through without stopping. Andrew observed two stopping trains arrive and my partner not getting on either of them. An announcement was then made of the approaching non stopping express train and for passengers to stand back. At this, Andrew saw my partner get up and make his way to the edge of the platform. Andrew then rushed over to my partner just as the train was coming through the station, grabbed my partner and pulled him back from the edge. Andrew then managed to get my partner into his office and sit with him. He then managed to get contact details for myself and my partner’s managers from work. He made contact and we all rushed to the station. My partner is now receiving treatment in hospital but the main thing is, he is still with us, all thanks to Andrew Reid. I cannot thank this man enough for his actions and observational skills. He is a credit to your organisation and we only ever hear of complaints about staff, never about the good that they do on a daily basis. I really do hope that the contents of this e-mail and my sincere and grateful thanks are passed onto Andrew Reid. He is a credit to your organisation and shows that there are a hell of a lot of good people out there, we just don't recognise them.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks for employing superb people like Andrew Reid"

Andrew’s actions have rightly been recognised by Great Western Railway with Andrew receiving a personal letter of thanks from GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood and being nominated for a special recognition award for GWR colleagues.“

Dean Haynes

Said the following about Andrew Reid:

“Andrew done an absolute amazing days work. To have the confidence to deal with this incident is a credit to the GWR. Its also very pleasing for the wife to write to Andrew expressing her thoughts which really brings home what Andrew actually done. This is not one life Andrew saved but, the rest of the family members would have been severely affected if Andrew had not intervened.“