Presenting a Heart of Gold Award to Neil

On 9th August, we visited Freightliner’s Maritime Terminal at Southampton to present Neil Lathom, winner of the Rail Hero Award, with his trophy. Presenting the award was our President Pete Waterman OBE and Chairman Tim Shoveller, Freightliner’s new CEO.

Neil, a Port Operations Team Leader, won the award in 2022, but was unable to receive his award last year because he was undergoing cancer chemotherapy treatment. Neil received the award because he has raised over £10,000 for charity through fundraising events like half marathons, 100km bike rides, and even a boxing match.

Dan Prendergast, the Port Operations Manager, praised Neil’s contributions, saying, “Neil’s contributions to various charities are truly awe-inspiring and we are very proud of him.  We are thrilled that he has made a full recovery and receiving this award.  Neil is very modest and doesn’t really see himself as the person we all see – a real rail hero – which makes him even more special and deserving of this award.”

Commenting on the award, Neil said: “Thank you to The Railway Benefit Fund for this award. I always say this is not my award, there are many people behind me that help me achieve these charity events which I always do to help others.”

Congratulations Neil! Find out more about our 2023 Heart of Gold Awards.