Train drivers are trained for many situations. But few ever imagine stepping off their own train to help save the life of the person it just struck.
That is exactly what happened to Helen Donagher. And now, she is being recognized for her actions with a star at York railway station.
Donagher, from Newcastle, had been working as a train driver for LNER for just three months when her train struck a person near Durham. Instead of waiting on board, she immediately got off the train to help.
She called for an ambulance and stayed with the injured person while emergency services made their way to the scene.
“Thankfully they were okay,” Donagher said.
The moment left a deep emotional mark.
“As an individual it’s quite hard because you’ve potentially ended someone’s life and it’s a hard feeling to take in,” she said.
Incidents like this are among the most difficult experiences train drivers can face. But Donagher says the support from her employer helped her through it.
“The company were great about it,” she said. “The support was there and they came down and helped out and they were actually really happy with the way the incident was dealt with.”
Now, her actions are being publicly recognized.
As part of celebrations for International Women’s Day, Donagher has been honoured with a star embedded in the concourse floor at York railway station. The display is designed to resemble the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and highlights women who have made a difference in the rail industry.
“To see my name down there is quite special, to be representing all the women train drivers out there, it means a lot,” Donagher said.
She is one of ten women recognized through the installation, which includes both modern railway workers and historic pioneers.
Among them is Gladys Garlick, one of the first female train guards who served during World War Two, a time when many women stepped into roles traditionally held by men.
LNER says the goal of the installation is to celebrate the past, present and future of women in rail.
“We have looked at historic women who have had an impact in our industry as well as some current and future stars, who we have recognised,” said Paula Bullock, people director at LNER.
Visitors walking through York station can learn more about each woman featured on the walkway. QR codes placed beside the stars allow travellers to read their stories and learn about their contributions.
For Donagher, the recognition is a reminder of a moment that could have ended very differently.
Instead, it became a story about quick thinking, compassion and a life that, thankfully, was saved.
