Nichola Searle

Said the following about Richard Lea:

“CrossCountry would like to nominate Driver Instructor Richard Lea, Birmingham, for the Train Driver of the Year Award/Samaritans life saver award category for his professional and timely actions which almost certainly prevented a railway fatality from occurring. This was recognised by Network Rail and internally within CrossCountry.

In February 2016 early at the station whilst waiting for his train to work, off duty Richard Lea observed a person on the track. He immediately took prompt and emergency actions to ensure that all approaching trains were immediately stopped. Richard used a trackside Signal Post Telephone to contact Rugby Signalling Control Centre to stop movement of all trains and gave an emergency visual stop signal to 2U21 which was approaching the platform at the time. Once confirmation of trains stopped had been received, Richard again contacted the Rugby SCC with valuable information about the person and his demeanour. CrossCountry believe that Richard should be recognised for his actions for acting courageously and managing a stressful emergency situation in a professional manner with a resultant avoidance of potential loss of life or serious injury to a member of the public.

Supporting statements:

Witness Testimony – M Bloomfield, Regional Driver Manager, Midlands and Anglia:

'I have personally known Richard Lea for over twelve years in CrossCountry and have always found his professionalism and dedication to the role of Train Driver to be of a high standard. Richard was appointed to the senior position of Driver Instructor in 2008. Richard constantly delivers first class tuition to his colleagues for example providing training material for re signalling schemes and delivering Voyager Class 220/221 traction training courses. Richard is highly professional and extremely proud of his role within the Rail Industry'.

Network Rail Rugby SCC Shift Manager sent the attached e-mail after the incident:

Good Morning,

'Could you please ensure that off duty XC driver Richard Lea is additionally thanked on behalf of staff at Rugby SCC, and his prompt and decisive actions are acknowledged. While waiting to catch a train, Richard observed a person in the 6 foot Between D/S and the D/F. After shouting a warning to the person Richard made an emergency call to the SCC via an SPT ensuring trains were stopped , Richard then gave a visual stop signal to 2U21 which was approaching the platform knowing he was beyond any protecting signals. Once confirmation of train stoppage and no more could be done to protect the area Richard contacted the SCC with valuable information about the person and his demeanour. The prompt action shown by Richard not only aided and assisted us in safely resolving the incident, I am almost certain it stopped a potential accident on the railway. So many thanks to Richard for the totally professional way he dealt with both the incident and the SCC.

Graeme S

Rugby Shift Signaller Manager

Rugby SCC'.“