A Direct Rail Services (DRS) train driver has received a coveted award for their quick thinking, courage and compassion.

Chris Bray accepted the Rail Hero Award at the prestigious Heart of Gold Awards ceremony, on 26 November.

His story is an inspiration and his actions exemplify the spirit celebrated by the Railway Benefit Fund’s (RBF) Heart of Gold Awards, which honour individuals who go above and beyond to protect lives and support wellbeing in the rail industry.

On 20 February, while operating a freight service from Daventry to Crewe, Chris noticed a woman in distress. Recognising the imminent danger, Chris acted decisively bringing his train to a controlled stop and contacting the signaller to block the line.

Refusing to move until the woman was safe, Chris left his cab and spoke calmly across the tracks, reassuring her she wasn’t in trouble. His persistence kept her engaged until British Transport Police (BTP) and Network Rail staff arrived and led her to safety. Chris’s intervention undoubtedly prevented a tragedy that day.

Commenting on his award win, Chris said: “I really don’t feel like a hero, just glad I was in the right place at the right time.

“I’m also grateful for the quick response from British Transport Police and Network Rail. It was a team effort to make sure she was safe.

“It was a real honour just to be nominated, and in a category with such deserving winners too.”

DRS is the rail division of Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) and is one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators.

Gottfried Eymer, NTS Managing Director for Rail, said: “Chris’s story is an inspiration to everyone at DRS, his actions exemplify everything we stand for, and we’re exceptionally proud.”

Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF, commented: “These awards are a recognition chosen by the rail community itself. It is a genuine, peer-to-peer acknowledgement where our front-line colleagues take the opportunity to celebrate and offer a simple ‘thank you’ to those around them who quietly make an outstanding difference every day”.