Ashley Brown, Driver, LNER

On March 8 2022, while travelling on a train from Newcastle to Edinburgh, Ashley Brown was made aware by the onboard team that a passenger was suffering from breathing difficulties and chest pain.

Ashley offered her services and was soon with the elderly woman, offering comfort and reassurance to her for more than 40 minutes while the train made its way to its destination, where paramedics had been requested to attend.

Onboard team members praised Ashley for staying with the woman during a very worrying time, easing their commitments and ensuring the rest of the passengers were looked after.

Ashley modestly played down the incident and insisted that she “only did what anyone else would”. But this humility was said by LNER to only amplify her values to put others first.

It later transpired that the elderly woman had suffered a heart attack. She has since had a stent fitted and is now making a full recovery. She was extremely keen for Ashley’s efforts to be properly recognised.