Transpennine ExpressA 12-year-old boy who had a passion for trains was invited to ride in the driver’s cab after a chance encounter with a railway boss.
Nathaniel Briggs from Huddersfield in West Yorkshire suffers from autism and ADHD and has always been fascinated by trains.
A few weeks ago, he was travelling through Manchester with his parents on board a train when he noticed a man wearing a TransPennine Express (TPE) lanyard and greeted him.
The man turned out to be TPE managing director Chris Jackson, who invited Nathaniel on a two-way taxi ride between York and Scarborough.
Transpennine ExpressAnthony Briggs, Nathaniel’s father, said TransPennine Express had made his son’s dreams come true.
“We had a fantastic experience and Nathaniel was thrilled,” he said.
“The memories of his big day will stay with him for a lifetime.
“Nathaniel will certainly have something different to say when he goes back to school.”
Senior Driver Manager Steve Whitehead presented Nathaniel with a TPE gift bag which also contained his own high visibility vest.
Transpennine ExpressNathaniel was then allowed to sound the horn as they passed a signal board, which is a sign that marks a place where a train driver must sound the horn.
The Briggs family was also provided with a VIP first-class journey to and from York.
Nathaniel said, “Thanks for the taxi ride, Steve, I enjoyed tooting the horn.”
Mr Whitehead said: “It was lovely to meet Nathaniel and his father Anthony.
“Nathaniel is a fantastic little boy. He was excellent at pointing out the signals during taxi rides and had a natural feel for the signs.
“I’m glad we were able to give Nathaniel this experience. It’s always great to meet people who could be part of the next generation of railroaders.”
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