Two Merseyrail employees have been recognised by the Railway Benevolent Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards.
The National awards, which celebrate those in the rail industry who have made a real difference in their workplace or community, take place annually. The nominations and voting for these awards are by the everyday people who work in the rail industry, giving them the opportunity to thank the colleagues they appreciate, value and who inspire them.
Ronnie Hardman, who recently retired from Merseyrail, having worked for the City Region’s rail provider for over 46 years as a station retailer and trade union representative, was recognised with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Whilst his colleague, Hannah Tabassum received the Rising Star of the Year Award, for her efforts as Merseyrail’s Employee Experience Manager.
Ronnie’s nomination highlighted how he has worked tirelessly over the course of his long career to support his colleagues, even visiting sick colleagues in hospitals, hospices and at home, offering support to their families during the toughest of times. It also highlighted his ongoing passion to help his friends and colleagues through volunteering and the fact that he is still much loved by his former teams.
Of his award Ronnie Hardman said: “It was a real honour to be nominated and I’m so surprised to have won the award. I’m really pleased, and so thankful for so many people voting for me.”
In her nomination, Hannah was described as always aspiring to deliver a standard of excellence in her work, ensuring that her colleagues are supported and know they are cared for. Describing her as a rising star within the rail industry, the nomination highlights the significant participation of colleagues in the business-wide events which Hannah organised, from menopause awareness, prostate cancer screening, and diabetes/cholesterol testing. Looking after the wellbeing of her colleagues and in some cases helping to highlight unknown health issues, allowing early intervention.
On learning she had won the award, Hannah Tabassum said: “It is such a lovely surprise that I have won, thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. It is great to know that my work is being appreciated and making a difference to our colleagues at Merseyrail.”
Jane English, People Director at Merseyrail said: “I am delighted to see two such worthy colleagues recognised Nationally for their hard work in this way. Both Ronnie and Hannah are fantastic examples of all we hope to achieve as a business. Their drive and commitment to support and care for their colleagues as they deliver a train service to the people of the Liverpool City Region is fantastic to see. They truly have hearts of gold.”
