Liam Johnston

Said the following about Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day Organising Team:

“Nomination for Rail Team of the Year: Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day Organising Team

Dear RailStaff Awards Committee,

I am honoured to submit a nomination for the Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day Organising Team, led by the Railway Mission, Network Rail and British Transport Police, an exemplary collective of individuals who orchestrated the remarkable Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day on March 23rd, 2023. Their profound contributions to commemorating the sacrifices and valour of rail industry workers during the COVID-19 pandemic truly exemplify the spirit of unity, resilience, and compassion.

The Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day, held three years after the first Covid-19 lockdown, stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the rail industry and its people. This memorial day, organised by the Railway Mission, was conceived by Liam Johnston, executive director of the Railway Mission, and Rachael Etebar, director of people and culture at British Transport Police. It was a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude, and here's why this organising team deserves to be recognised as the Rail Team of the Year at the 2023 RailStaff Awards:

1. A Nationwide Tribute: The Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day touched the hearts of rail industry workers and their families across the nation. Memorial services and events took place not only at iconic railway stations such as Birmingham Moor Street, Glasgow Central, Manchester Piccadilly, London Waterloo, and King’s Cross but also at stations, offices, and depots throughout the country. This widespread commemoration showcased the team's commitment to inclusivity and the profound impact of their efforts.

2. A Unifying Force: Network Rail kindly provided Selina Clarke as the Project Manager to work with and support Liam and Rachael to ensure this organising team brought together representatives from diverse entities within the rail industry, including Railway Mission, Network Rail, British Transport Police, but also Rail Delivery Group, LNER, Rail Industry Association, RBF, Freight Operators, British Transport Pensioners’ Federation, and Unions and others to form the overall steering group. Their collective efforts showcased unprecedented unity in the industry, demonstrating that when the rail community comes together, they can achieve remarkable things.

3. A Digital Touchpoint: By live-streaming the service in York, the team ensured that the entire railway family could participate, regardless of their physical location. This digital outreach allowed rail industry workers, their families, and supporters to come together virtually, emphasising the significance of the railway's role in keeping Britain functioning during the pandemic and paying homage to those who made personal sacrifices.

4. Heartfelt Reflection: The minutes' silence observed at midday in railway offices, depots, and stations across the country provided a moment for personal reflection and unity. It demonstrated that the rail industry remembers and honours its own, never forgetting the sacrifices made during challenging times.

5. Honouring the front-line staff: while the service did have some senior people take part, the focus was on the stories and work of the frontline rail staff who told their stories of the pandemic. From the loss of loved ones to the cleaning stations and trains to volunteering to drive ambulances or working with the Polices Pandemic response or the effects of Long COVID. It was the Railway Family that rightly took centre stage.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Network Rail chair, eloquently summarised the importance of this day, stating, "The memorial service was an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our staff and to acknowledge their key role in keeping the country moving during the pandemic." His words echo the sentiments of countless individuals whose lives were touched by the Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day.

In recognition of their extraordinary teamwork, unity-building efforts, and heartfelt dedication, I wholeheartedly nominate the Rail Industry Covid Memorial Day Organising Team for the Rail Team of the Year Award at the 2023 RailStaff Awards. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to honouring the fallen and supporting the railway family stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and compassion of the rail industry. All of this was achieved while the team continued their day-to-day jobs.“