In 2023, we launched the Rail Safe Friendly programme, a heartfelt initiative inspired by the tragic loss of 11-year-old Harrison Ballantyne. Harrison’s life was cut short when he was electrocuted by overhead power lines while trying to retrieve a lost football in a rail freight depot. The incident, which involved a shocking 25,000 volts, left his friends and paramedics powerless to help, and he sadly passed away at the scene.

To honor Harrison’s memory and celebrate the programme’s launch, we hosted an engaging competition at the school he attended – Guilsborough Academy. Year 9 students were invited to create a logo that encapsulated the essence of our programme. The response was truly uplifting, as students demonstrated their creativity and passion, contributing their ideas to this significant cause.

After careful deliberation and consideration of all the fantastic submissions, we ultimately selected Brooke as the winner. This decision was not made lightly, as each entry reflected the students’ passion for rail safety and their commitment to the cause. Once the winning design was chosen, we collaborated with one of our talented designers to bring the logo to life, ensuring it captured the essence of the Rail Safe Friendly programme.

This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for Brooke but also for Harrison’s school; Guilsborough Academy, as the logo will serve as a lasting symbol of their involvement in promoting rail safety. As the Rail Safe Friendly programme continues to grow and make a positive impact on educating young people about the importance of rail safety, this collaboration stands as a testament to the creativity and dedication of the students involved.

Brooke (picture front, centre) commented:

“It’s really cool to see the logo still being used and making a difference. Knowing it’s helping to raise awareness about rail safety and actually keeping people safe makes it feel even more special. I’m proud of how far the initiative has come and the impact it’s having on schools, students and businesses.”