The rail industry is unique in that it not only keeps the nation moving, but also plays a huge positive role in the communities it serves. This is exemplified by the sheer amount of work and resources that go into supporting charitable causes.
The RailStaff Award for Charity rewards individuals with a heart of gold – those who make a difference to their colleagues and wider society through acts of selfless generosity and compassion. It honours employees who go the extra mile to support good causes and are the first to volunteer their time or resources.
Mark Fielding-Smith, national & digital services director at AtkinsRéalis, was a worthy winner of the 2023 Award. During his time in the rail industry Mark has had a leading role in raising over £150,000 to help the charity Railway Children keep vulnerable children off the streets.
Mark is the visionary behind the Ride the Route charity bike ride – a three-day bike ride involving several organisations from the East Coast Digital Programme cycling over 350km along the East Coast Mainline route. He has also led the Ride the Route Gala Dinner – another very successful event which is now a yearly occurrence.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am,” said Mark when he received the award. “It means so much to me and the team that have made this happen. It’s been two emotional, incredible years creating something new that will run year-on-year for the Railway Children, doing so much good for vulnerable children.”
He is truly a force of nature when it comes to charitable work and raising money for causes close to his heart.
Longstanding relationship
This year, the Award for Charity is sponsored by Land Sheriffs – the dedicated professional security task force which provides protection and safety for rail staff, customers, infrastructure, and assets.
Land Sheriffs has established itself as an industry-leading company with multiple accreditations and awards coupled with an enviable record. Its success in the industry has seen it grow into a medium SME and today it is a well-trusted company employing over 200 staff, some with more than 30 years working in security through to apprentices starting out on their journey within the industry.
The company has a long history with the RailStaff Awards, its employees being finalists many times in the much-respected ‘Life Saver Award’ category. Most recently, Land Sheriffs staff John Dawson and Rob Shannon took home the award in 2019. The pair were nominated for coming to the assistance of a woman who appeared to be struggling with her mental health and had threatened to end her own life. John and Rob’s intervention led to a safe and peaceful outcome for all.
“We’ve attended a number of RailStaff ceremonies throughout the years,” said Tyler LeMay, Managing Director at Land Sheriffs Ltd. “It’s vital that day-to-day workers are recognised and everyone in the industry is celebrated.
“The RailStaff Awards are crucially important, and we are proud to sponsor the Award for Charity category. We wish the best of luck to everyone who’s nominated.”
Image credit: Rail Media
