Thameslink makes dream come true for train-mad Alfie

Thameslink made dreams come true for one train-mad eight-year-old when they gave him a ride in the cab of one of their services and helped him make passenger announcements.

Alfie Palmer, from Barton Hills, Luton, has Spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. He came to Thameslink’s attention when he appeared on Justin Dealey’s weekend BBC Three Counties Radio show. Justin had fixed it for Alfie and his dad to see Luton play, as Alfie is also mad about the Hatters.

During the show, Alfie told Justin he loved trains and wanted to be a train driver. Justin called Thameslink and the trip was set up.

Thameslink driver, Competency Manager Barry Minall said: “As soon as we heard about Alfie’s love of trains, we wanted to make that dream come true. He can’t take to the driver’s cab just yet but we arranged the next best thing – a trip in a cab. And – never-say-never – his wheelchair may be an issue in driving a train now but who knows how things might change in the future!”

Barry and station manager Joe Healy met Alfie, his dad, Kevin and mum, Lisa, at Luton Airport Parkway station. Gifted a high-visibility vest and whistle, Alfie joined station assistants on platform 2 and announced the arrival of trains.

The party then boarded the 11:23 to Bedford and on arrival, Dad lifted Alfie into the rear end driver’s seat of another service for the return trip.

Alfie’s excitement was palpable as he sat at the rear of the train, looking down the line from the driver’s perspective. Under the watchful eye of Barry, he made announcements to delighted passengers on board.

Alfie said: “It was great. It was text book! It really has made my dream come true."

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In the past, Alfie and his family have used Thameslink to travel to Great Ormond Street for Alfie to receive treatment. Dad Kevin said: “The Thameslink staff were brilliant, so helpful. They were on hand to help us throughout the journey.”

Mum Lisa added: “Alfie’s at the age now where he’s asking questions. He said, ‘Mummy, I can’t use my legs; will I always be like this? Why can’t they fix me?’ We focus on what he can do, not what he can’t. We hope he’ll eventually be able to use a walking frame. Also, when he’s a teenager, we want to make sure he’s independent. He needs to have the confidence to travel which is why this trip has been so important.”

Thameslink has a mission to improve journeys for disabled people like Alfie, by promoting the wide range of support and tools available that help everyone use the railway. For more information, visit the assisted travel page of Thameslink’s website www.thameslinkrailway.com.

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