A train driver employed by Direct Rail Services has received a coveted award for showing quick thinking, courage and compassion.
Chris Bray accepted the Rail Hero Award at the Railway Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards ceremony which honours individuals who go above and beyond to protect lives and support wellbeing in the rail industry.
On February 20, while operating a freight service from Daventry to Crewe, Chris noticed a woman in distress. Recognising the imminent danger, Chris brought his train to a controlled stop and contacted the signaller to block the line.
Refusing to move until the woman was safe, Chris left his cab and spoke calmly across the tracks, reassuring her she wasn’t in trouble. His persistence kept her engaged until British Transport Police and Network Rail staff arrived and led her to safety.
“These awards are a recognition chosen by the rail community itself,” Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF, said. “It is a genuine, peer-to-peer acknowledgement where our front-line colleagues take the opportunity to celebrate and offer a simple ‘thank you’ to those around them who quietly make an outstanding difference every day.”
Chris played down the award.
“I really don’t feel like a hero, just glad I was in the right place at the right time,” Chris said. “I’m also grateful for the quick response from British Transport Police and Network Rail. It was a team effort to make sure she was safe.”
He added: “It was a real honour just to be nominated, and in a category with such deserving winners too.”
DRS is the rail division of Nuclear Transport Solutions, with a major base in Carlisle.
“Chris’s story is an inspiration to everyone at DRS, his actions exemplify everything we stand for, and we’re exceptionally proud,” Gottfried Eymer, NTS managing director for rail, said.
