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Thursday 30 Jul 2026

Leukaemia survivor Arli's dream birthday experience thanks to Network Rail

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Eastern

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A young leukaemia survivor was treated to an unforgettable birthday celebration at Leeds station thanks to railway colleagues.

Train enthusiast Arli Ramsden, from Wakefield, had only one birthday wish – to spend a few hours watching trains in the city.

But Network Rail and rail industry partners arranged a surprise behind-the-scenes experience which went beyond.

Arli, who turns 13 tomorrow (Friday 31 July), was given a behind-the-scenes tour of Leeds station, tried out LNER’s driver simulator, saw inside the cabs of Northern and LNER trains and visited the signalling control room. He celebrated with cake in the Safe Hub, Leeds station’s dedicated quiet space – before heading out for more train-watching.

Arli was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two and underwent three years of treatment, which seriously affected his physical ability for lengthy periods. He was still only a small child when he began using a frame as he learned to walk for a second time.

During the time he was unable to move around, Arli’s family had to find entertainment to fit around his needs. That’s where his passion for trains began. Grandma Ann Ramsden – known to Arli as Ma – converted an art desk into a tabletop trainset, and in the process sparked Arli’s love of the railway.

Arli was still only six when he was able to ring the “end of treatment” bell in hospital. He still has limited mobility and has been diagnosed with autism.

Ann Ramsden, who runs the Rosalie Ryrie Foundation domestic abuse charity, said:

“Arli has never been able to play games like football or take part in sports days. Trains mean so much to him – Arli gets so excited if a driver sounds their horn for him and he’s even started his own TikTok page about trains.

“All he wanted for his birthday was to come into Leeds station – just to visit and watch the trains. The efforts of Network Rail and everyone else in the industry have been incredible. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to make Arli’s birthday so special – you’ve made turning 13 unforgettable for him. He’s not stopped telling everyone about it.”

Arli said:

“Trains are fascinating to me. I like the noise and I like the speed. Thank you to everyone who did all this for my birthday. I can’t pick my favourite part – it’s all of it!”

Steve Sherburn, shift station manager at Leeds station, said:

“When we heard that Arli's birthday wish was simply to spend time here watching trains, we knew we wanted to do something extra special for him.

“We’re pleased we could play a part in creating such happy memories for him. Arli’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the railway is remarkable, and it was fantastic to see how much he enjoyed meeting colleagues and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the station and railway operate.

“Everyone was proud to be involved and we wish Arli a very happy 13th birthday.”