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Monday 13 Feb 2017

Love is in the air after romantic Paddington surprise

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A romantic man who previously proposed to his wife at London Paddington station surprised her once again at the iconic station as she was serenaded off the train by a busker playing her favourite song.

Adam Jenkins, from Neath, popped the question to his now wife, Kerri Anne, just over a year ago at Paddington and now, as part of a Valentines getaway, he was at it again as he teamed up with Network Rail, GWR and Heathrow Express to organise another special surprise.

The surprise was part of a ‘Love Paddington’ event held at the station which saw Network Rail, GWR and Heathrow Express celebrate the recent improvements to the station that includes the restoration of Brunel’s original 1860 roof, a new ticket office and the opening of The Lawn area at the station that boasts 40 retail and dining units.

Adam told his wife that they were going to London for a trip away as Keri-Anne travelled with absolutely no idea that Adam has arranged for her to be serenaded at the station, meet Paddington Bear and have a message of love projected onto a giant screen as part of the ‘Love Paddington’ event – almost a year to the day from when he originally proposed.

‘Love Paddington’ took place on Friday and included Adam’s surprise for Kerri-Anne, live music throughout the day in a specially created comfort area, giveaways by retailers for passengers and Paddington Bear was on hand to welcome passengers.

The Hilton Hotel, which backs onto Paddington Station, supported the event by presenting the couple with a night’s stay in one of their premium rooms whilst GWR added to the occasion by providing them both with first class travel.

Adam said: “Paddington Station will always have a special place in our hearts as it is where I proposed to Keri-Anne and she loved the most recent surprise as part of the ‘Love Paddington’ event. Like a lot of people, Paddington is a station that we regularly use and really love, and is why I chose to propose there in the first place.”

Kerri-Anne said: “I had no idea that was about to happen and it was a lovely surprise. The station means a lot to us and it was great to be a part of Paddington station’s celebrations. Next time I come to London I will be left wondering what is about to happen next.”

 ENDS

Notes to editors:

Additional quotes –

Mark Langman, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Western Route said: “Love Paddington is all about celebrating Paddington Station and giving something back to all the passengers that use the station every day.

“The station is better than ever thanks to the programme of improvements under Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan and we have created an environment which has improved the experience of using the station, providing the best quality environment to meet, eat, shop and travel.

"And of course Heathrow Express, which links the station to Heathrow Airport, remains the fastest rail link between London and the airport, with 150 services running daily in journey times of just 15 minutes.

“Working with GWR there is a lot more planned for the station with new Intercity trains operating later in the year and new trains running from Paddington to Maidenhead, extending the services now running between Hayes and Harlington. Next year the Crossrail Paddington Station will also open.”

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director for GWR, said: “Later this year we will see the first of our new Intercity Express Trains operating from Paddington Station; building on the new electric services we are operating in London and the Thames Valley; and delivering more seats, more frequent trains and quicker journeys.

“Paddington is not only a railway station, it is the doorway to Bristol, South Wales and the great destinations we serve across the South West; and to keeping the communities of the Great Western prospering. I am delighted to be able to mark this special occasion.”

Fraser Brown, Director of Heathrow Express, said: “Heathrow Express has been operating out of Paddington for 19 years, and this year we will be carrying our 100 millionth customer. We are proud of our home at Paddington and are delighted that we were part of the celebrations highlighting the improvements to the station.”

A spokesperson for Hilton London Paddington said: “We are delighted to get involved in this event as our hotel will always be intrinsically linked with the station. Paddington is definitely a station worth celebrating and we hope that Adam and Keri-Anne really enjoyed the day, along with the thousands of other passengers that took part.”

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive of The Paddington Partnership, said: “The transformation of Paddington Station is embraced not only by its passengers but by all those who live and work in the Paddington area. Paddington’s industrial heritage is renowned and, as a seat of transport innovation, there is overwhelming affection locally for Brunel’s masterpiece. The injection of new, high quality retail and dining opportunities, coupled with the surrounding water space and new developments, secures Paddington’s position as a new leisure destination.”