The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Award for Charity

Dan Prendergast

Said the following about Neil Lathom:

“Neil is an amazing guy, a friend to everyone, great supervisor and a really positive influence on all the staff at Freightliner's Southampton Maritime terminal. He started with Freightliner approx. 8 years ago and previously worked for a supplier and prior to that was a PT instructor in the army.

Over the years, Neil has taken part in various events, raising over £10,000 for a number of charities, including:

Two half marathons for “Wessex Heart Beat”

Great South Run for Macmillan

Boxing match for Cancer Research

100m Bike ride for Ride London Heart Research

The Eastleigh 10km for The Ukraine

Several 5km runs where the entrance fee goes to charity. (British Legion)

Neil has also participated in decathlons, Iron Man and many more.

Sadly, in 2020 Neil suffered a heart attack and spent several months recovering. He was told his training would have to be greatly reduced but Neil was determined to get back to work and did so in half the time it should have taken and keeps up with his fitness.

Very recently, Neil was also told he has “Non Hodgkinson Lymphoma” but has an 80% chance of a full recovery. When Neil initially discovered the lumps and the GP suggested it was cancer, he had a terrible time coming to terms with what was going on and the fear he wouldn’t see Christmas. However once he had it confirmed, he has been nothing but positive and motivated as well as considering things he can do to help others going through the same thing. We all hope that Neil will make a full recovery and use his experience to help others.

Despite his diagnosis, Neil has signed up to take part in Walking for Cancer Charity. He has had to limit his exercise so has been walking his dog non-stop and decided to put this training to good use by taking part in yet another charity fundraising event.

Neil is very modest and doesn’t really see himself as the person we all see, which, in my opinion, makes him even more special and deserving of recognition. Anyone in his company, from the staff on the ground to the CEO, couldn't fail to see what a great asset he is to the company and to his colleagues' lives.“

Simon Marsh

Said the following about Neil Lathom:

“Outstanding man. Always thinking of others.“