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Thursday 19 Dec 2024

Birmingham New Street team help make dream come true for station user

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

 Partially sighted Sarah Willis was given the surprise chance to make train announcements at the station

On Wednesday, 18 December, Sarah and her husband Mike arrived at the station to meet their friends Alison and Neil Keaton for lunch. However, Alison had arranged a special treat for Sarah: the opportunity to make train announcements from Network Rail’s control centre.

This surprise was Alison’s way of thanking Sarah for her unwavering support during her cancer journey.

With the help of Network Rail and the New Street station team, Sarah announced the 14:47 train to London Euston and made two festive announcements, including a playful request for someone to “move their sleigh from the Drop and Go.”

Sarah Willis said: “It’s my dream. I’ve always wanted to do an announcement at a train station. I hope they keep playing it. My dream has come true!"

Alison Keaton said: “Sarah has been such a good friend To me during my cancer journey and she has had a difficult year herself with major eye surgery.

“She told me years ago that she wanted to do this, and I’m surprised – but so pleased – that it was able to happen. I’m so thankful to everybody that has helped me surprise Sarah.”

Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “Birmingham New Street is a part of the community in the city centre.

“With almost a million people passing through here each week, it shows that every person matters. I’m so pleased we’ve been able to do this for Sarah.

I’ve told the staff in the control room to watch out for their jobs, as Sarah was a natural. We’ll be playing these out throughout Christmas to spread some festive cheer.”

For more information on Birmingham New Street station facilities please visit here.