More than 7,000 children in the West Midlands and surrounding areas have been given railway safety lessons to keep them safe this summer.
With a long break ahead, parents, children and teenagers are being urged to stay safe when on and around the railway and never take any chances that might put them in danger.
Network Rail’s Central route has been engaging with school children across the region as part of ongoing work to promote railway safety. Since Easter, community safety manager – and winner of this year’s Pride of Britain award for fundraising – Manny Kang has visited 53 different schools and community groups, delivering interactive and educational sessions to 7,200 children.
The sessions have been designed to be informative and engaging, using a variety of tools and approaches to capture the children’s interest and help them understand crucial safety messages.
Manny, from Wolverhampton, also stars as ‘guardian of the community’ in Network Rail’s ‘hidden heroes’ campaign, aimed at celebrating those who keep people safe and trains moving.
Manny, said: “Educating children about railway safety is essential, especially as they have more free time during the summer holidays. We often see an increase in level crossing misuse and trespass incidents during the school holidays and our goal is to make sure that children understand the potential dangers and know how to stay safe.
“I am so passionate about keeping young people safe. I love my job and knowing I am helping to keep children out of harms way when they are out and about makes every school visit worthwhile.”
Safety incidents involving the public not only endanger lives but also cause significant disruption to train services. Last year alone, in excess of a million minutes of delays to train services were caused nationally as a result of people straying onto the railway tracks.
Beyond his work in rail safety, Manny is a dedicated community fundraiser, having raised thousands of pounds for Dementia UK through sporting challenges and his popular ‘Samosa Saturdays’ at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. His commitment was recognised at the 2024 Pride of Britain awards, where he was named ITV Fundraiser of the Year.
Find out more about Network Rail’s ‘guardian of the community’ at www.networkrail.co.uk/campaigns/hidden-heroes
Image credit: Network Rail
