Lee Roberts - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about James Dobson:

“James has been an avid train enthusiast since a very young age and frequented Crewe Railway station in his home town and became a popular young man with station staff whom became very fond of him and befriended him throughout these years. James' passion and enthusiasm for the railway secured him an apprenticeship in the train planning department of virgin trains upon turning 17.

He was an absolute asset to the team and became involved by his own accord in projects of all shapes and sizes and beyond the description of his role. James used his time to talk to other departments to learn new skills and even used his own self taught expertise to entertain and educate older generations of staff on the railway! James' one year apprenticeship was extended and then following this he secured himself a saftey critical position at Crewe station, a massive achievement at his age of only 18.

James's biggest achievement to date is his efforts in raising over £20,000 for charity when he took a lead role in organising and even working a charity charter train using the old mark 3 set in it's final service. This was a fantastic day for all the train enthusiasts that bought tickets and also the chosen charity. James worked long hours inside and outside of work for many months to ensure smooth running of the charter from route planning through to on board supplies. This year he has organised a second charter train for train enthusiasts which again aims to raise over £20,000 for charity. He also arranged the auction of a name plate as part of the 'west coast 40' event which again raised £10,000. He also organised for 2 locomotives part of the virgin west coast fleet to be on display at this event.

I truly believe James to be a massive asset to Virgin Trains and is loved by all his colleagues and is constantly being praised by passengers for his genuine, loving, caring attitude towards his work. Having achieved so much already, what will he possibly do next?“