Gary Cox

Said the following about John Smillie:

“Whilst walking to board his train at Ipswich station, John Smillie, Train Driver, heard a small voice calling for help. Looking around, he noticed a girl in her late teens sitting between the sidings and the main running lines. Checking it was safe, John calmly but quickly approached the young lady, noting as he did so that she was clearly distressed and vulnerable.

It was raining at the time, and having just bought himself a coffee, John offered the girl his jacket and his drink to keep her warm. Talking in a calm and friendly manner, John was able to persuade the teen to walk to safety behind the locos in the field sidings, so they could talk away from the running lines.

At this stage John contacted the signaller to explain the situation and advised them that he would walk the young lady to the station supervisor’s office as soon as the next service departed. After getting back to the office John and the teen talked about what she had been doing. He listened and supported her as she told him how her brother had recently committed suicide on the railway.

John contacted Freightliner’s control team and awaited the emergency services. As he was leaving the young lady thanked him for supporting her and admitted that she felt differently about taking her life thanks to John’s actions.

There is no doubt that John’s calm demeanour, caring nature and quick-thinking prevented a tragic incident that day.“