A host of well-known politicians, sports stars and media personalities have said “thank you” to railway staff for keeping freight and critical workers moving during the Covid-19 crisis.
The selfie-videos, recorded mostly in their own homes, have been collated into a short film by Network Rail. It includes clips from record producer Pete Waterman, Rugby World Cup-winner Lewis Moody, House of Rugby presenter Alex Payne, BBC Radio 2 morning travel presenter Richie Anderson, West Midlands mayor Andy Street, rail minster Chris Heaton-Harris and shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon.
Also in the video are Megan Noblett, Warrington level crossing manager, and Chris Conway, a signaller at Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, who won the Charity category at last year’s RailStaff Awards. Both of them thanked train crews.
As Britain plots its path to move past the Covid-19 crisis, the video’s participants reminded everyone to “be safe, be patient, be kind.”
Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s North West & Central region, said: “Thank you all Network Rail and train company colleagues for keeping Britain fed, fuelled and healthy. You are Britain’s hidden heroes.
“And while ordinarily we’d implore everyone to travel by train, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to passengers who have stayed off public transport during this time. Please continue to follow Government advice on the use of public transport.
“We face more challenging days as together we seek to emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, so let’s all remember to … be safe, be patient, be kind.”
