RBF announce 2025 Heart of Gold Award Winners
Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) has announced the winners of their 2025 Heart of Gold Awards, an accolade chosen entirely by the railway community to recognise outstanding dedication and compassion among staff.
The awards were presented on November 26, by Charity President Pete Waterman OBE and Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF, at a ceremony hosted by Railpen at their new London offices.
Rising Star Winner – Zoe Flannagan
Zoe Flannagan joined as a Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at Avanti West Coast during a challenging time, quickly gaining expertise through Mental Health First Aid and Health Coach training to compassionately manage the company’s wellbeing program.
Rail Hero Winner – Chris Bray
Chris Bray, a Direct Rail Services Train Driver spotted a woman in distress and immediately stopped the train, blocking the line for safety. Showing immense courage and compassion, his crucial actions held the scene and allowed the BTP to lead the woman to safety.
Wellbeing Champion Winner – Samantha Passmore
Samantha Passmore, a Customer Experience Manager at West Midlands Trains is recognised for her exceptional safeguarding leadership. She established a dedicated, rent-free Safeguarding Hub run by Rethink Mental Illness for vital mental health support at the station
Star Team Winner – The Greatest Gathering Event Organisers
The organisers of the Greatest Gathering curated the defining flagship event for the Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries of the modern railway. Held at Alstom’s Derby factory, the sold-out festival drew over 40,000 visitors. The event received international media coverage (reaching over 500 million) and raised thousands for charity.
Inspirational Volunteer Winner – Don Coffey
Don Coffey, a recently retired Train Driver at TransPennine Express runs a highly successful YouTube channel featuring driver’s-eye views, with all proceeds donated to various charity’s, totalling more than £83,000. He participated in the Samaritans’ ‘Small Talk Saves Lives’ and volunteers his time for driver simulator days and group escorts.
Lifetime Achievement Winner – Jennifer Williams
Jennifer Williams based at the Booking Office Liverpool Street Station for Northernhasdedicated 60 years to the railway and her knowledge and passion for passengers have made her an invaluable asset. Her ability to embrace innovation and adapt over six decades while maintaining the highest values is extraordinary.
These awards celebrate RBF’s mission to inspire future generations of railway people.
Railway Benefit Fund sincerely thanks the sponsors whose support made these awards possible: Amaro, Great British Rail Replacement/CMAC, Freightliner, Furrer+Frey, Health Shield, and Railpen.
