Every person nominated for a RailStaff Award has gone above and beyond in their role. Whether they’ve delivered exceptional customer service, championed equality, or driven innovation, each nominee has made a lasting contribution to the railway.
However, one category stands apart from all the others.
The Lifesaver Award is reserved for those who have acted fast in the face of danger, using all their skills, training, and courage to protect the lives of others. It recognises extraordinary people who remain calm under immense pressure and prove that the railway is about much more than trains and infrastructure – it’s about looking after one another.
In 2025, the honour went to Carlisle Support Services’ Dorothy Omovbude, whose courage and compassion helped prevent a tragedy at Homerton Station.
Dorothy was recognised for her split-second intervention during a potential suicide incident. Realising the seriousness of the situation, she immediately took control, arranging for trains to be stopped and contacting the emergency services.
She remained with the distressed individual throughout, offering reassurance and preserving their dignity by asking members of the public to shield them with their jackets. Her calm, compassionate leadership prevented tragedy and demonstrated the very highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and care.
Reflecting on her success, Dorothy said: “To have been honoured with this award is absolutely amazing. It shows that our work is appreciated by our company, Carlisle, who nominated us, and also by the wider industry.”
She added: “We don’t view what we do as just ‘work’. Every day is an achievement. Not only by saving lives, but by providing a service to the public, and making people feel comfortable and relaxed during their travel.”
Making a difference
Stories like Dorothy’s remind us why the RailStaff Awards exist. Every day, thousands of railway professionals quietly go about their work without seeking recognition. Occasionally, however, circumstances demand something truly exceptional. The Lifesaver Award celebrates those rare moments when professionalism, training, and compassion combine to make the difference between life and death.
In 2026, The Lifesaver Award is proudly sponsored by ABM, which joins the RailStaff Awards for the first time.
One of the world’s largest providers of facilities, engineering, and infrastructure services, ABM employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and has extensive experience supporting the transport sector. Renowned for its work across 75 airports globally, the company delivers facilities management, ground handling, travel retail services, and accessible travel assistance.
In the UK, ABM already works with customers including TfL and Eurostar and is committed to expanding its presence in the UK rail industry as passenger expectations evolve and the sector prepares for the arrival of Great British Railways.
If you know someone whose actions have prevented tragedy, protected passengers or colleagues, or demonstrated exceptional courage in a life-threatening situation, now is the time to tell their story.
The next award winner could be someone working alongside you today.
