Lynn Crump

Said the following about Bessie Matthews:

“Amy (Bessie) Matthews joined Freightliner on 16th August 2021 as a trainee shunt driver based out of our Southampton operation.

Whilst taking on a new role and the extensive training that entails, Bessie also seized the opportunity to write and illustrate a children's safety book, aimed at keeping youngsters safe around the railway.

'Arlo’s Adventures There and Back’ follows little badger Arlo on his journey to see his friends who live in a town two stops away on the train. It's Arlo's first time travelling on the railway by himself, and he must make some very critical decisions throughout the day. The book, aimed at younger children, highlights the possible consequences of certain actions on or near the railway, while raising awareness amongst parents/guardians of the potential dangers of the railway.

Sponsored by Freightliner, Community Rail and ScotRail, it is Bessie’s intention that all proceeds from the book will go towards the Railway Children’s charity. In the first week of publication alone Bessie's book raised £1,000 and, with 20,000 copies printed in the first batch and mechanisms in place for TOCs and CRPs to order reprints, one can only imagine exactly how much this project will raise.

"Bessie's unbelievable talent has made Arlo's Adventures: “There and Back” so engaging and informative to children and adults alike, but it's her selfless and generous character which has driven the project forward and enabled the book to raise money for the Railway Children charity. It's been a humbling experience working on the project together - I am so proud to call her a friend!"

Karen Bennett

Community Rail Education Development Officer

Community Rail Lancashire Ltd.

A very deserving nominee in the Safety person of the year category.“