Hero train driver Gemma from Hull saves a life after spotting a person in distress

A Hull train driver saved a life when he intervened after seeing what appeared to be a person in distress.

Gemma was driving a Northern Rail service traveling from Scarborough to Sheffield when she noticed a car parked in a field next to the track.

Northern said Gemma “undoubtedly” saved the person’s life by calling the emergency services with the location. Fortunately, the emergency services recovered the person from the car alive.

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Because of her intervention, Gemma was nominated for a National Rail Award (Outstanding Personal Contribution category) for helping to save the life of a person in distress. Affectionately known as the ‘Oscars of the rail industry’, the awards recognize people and companies for innovation and excellence in the industry.

Gemma will find out if she has received the award at a ceremony in London on Thursday September 12 this year. She is one of eight employees of train operator Northern who have been shortlisted for an award.

The other Northern nominees are:

• Adam Mansbridge – a conductor from Leeds who demonstrated exceptional alertness and quick thinking which ensured the safe return of two missing children to their families
• Andrew Williamson – a deputy station manager at Barrow-in-Furness who stepped in to help customers affected by the storms which caused widespread disruption in Cumbria
• Graham Blake – a customer service assistant at Holmes Chapel station who worked with the local parish council to help ‘Stylers’ (fans of singer Harry Styles) when they visit the musician’s home town
• Martin Rodger – a driver team manager from Newcastle, who was recognized for his 39 years’ service as a senior safety investigator in the North East
• Paul Wilkinson – a Blackpool conductor who identified two schoolgirls as ‘at risk’ and was able to alert British Transport Police and reunite them with their parents
• Darin Astbury and Stewart Hall received a joint nomination for their work as customer service assistants at Brinnington Station in Stockport, where they set up a ‘Swap Shop’ offering food, clothes, books and other household items to those who have need from the local community. .