Martin Pyrzyna

Said the following about Gemma Platt, Senior HR Advisor:

҉ۢ Testimony 1

Martin Pyrzyna, Rail Operator

“Gemma deserves recognition for all the support she has provided me during my recent illness.

“She has been an amazing person to deal with and always goes that extra mile to look after not just myself, but the whole of the GB Railfreight team.

“In my specific case, her actions have covered quite a wide spectrum of work-related and personal support. On the important matter of my employee duties at GB Railfreight, she was able to arrange a temporary line of work, which meant I could continue my role as a <insert position> and remain part of the company fabric. Utilising a smaller, but nonetheless impactful example, she also took the time to send me a get well card from the HR office, which lifted my spirits at a very difficult time.

“Gemma excels at her role and makes you feel like you are her priority. Her pro-active nature and approach is nothing short of fantastic, and I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me.”

• Testimony 2

David Roberts, Train Manager

“Gemma deserves recognition for all the support she provided me and my family during my sickness absence last year.

“I was off work sick for most of 2014 and a main concern for me was how work would react to my extended absence.

“From the first time Gemma contacted me, she put my mind at rest completely. She was so helpful in every way. This included arranging consultations with the Occupational Health Doctor and keeping in regular contact to ensure I was getting all the help I needed.

“Gemma kept herself up to date with my progress, and her support and encouragement were a great help to me and was greatly appreciated. If I needed to contact Gemma about anything at all, her replies were always prompt and very helpful.

“Gemma's involvement meant a great deal to me and my family - I was able to put work and financial concerns to the back of my mind and concentrate fully on my recovery, which I believe was so important.

“On my return to work, Gemma was again so much help. She liaised with my manager and the doctors, helping plan my phased return. Even now, she still checks up on me to make sure I am doing ok.

“I will be eternally grateful to Gemma for all the help and support she gave - it made all the difference. Gemma deserves a massive "pat on the back" for her "above and beyond" attitude.”

• Testimony 3

Kevin Wood, Operations Manager

“Gemma Platt provided me with the support and care that ultimately helped save my life.

“During early 2014, I suddenly, and without warning, became very ill, suffering from what was thought to be an extreme bladder condition. It rendered me almost incapacitated overnight. After general medical attention, I received NHS treatment and joined the ever-growing waiting lists for specialist treatment.

“My medical condition rapidly worsened and this was noted by Gemma, as a result of her almost daily calls made out of concern for my health.

“Not satisfied with the medical attention I was receiving, she immediately sought a private consultation for me locally and arranged the financial assistance that was needed through GB Railfreight. Little did she know then that her kind and caring actions and interventions have most certainly saved my life!

“During this exceptional private treatment that Gemma helped arrange, a scan quickly identified that although my bladder could be treated (and subsequently was, through a small operation funded by GB Railfreight), it also disclosed a pancreatic tumor…..the worst thing possible, and most likely terminal.

“This devastating news lead to almost 5 months of scans, re-scans, biopsies, consultant meetings, and more tests, until the actual day of the pancreatic operation. Throughout all of this, Gemma remained in constant touch with both me and my family, always there to offer any help she could. This involved listening and re-assuring me about my career, as well as keeping me updated on my work colleagues and management. She is a real credit to GB Railfreight and so professional, yet always discrete and above all caring.

“I don’t think she realises that without her actions, this tumour would not have been found so fortuitously, and I am certain that, without its subsequent removal, the likelihood is that I wouldn’t have been around to write this!

“It would be wonderful to know that Gemma receives the recognition she deserves for being such a professional within her occupation and I hope that she continues to inspire others that work alongside her.“