Two Network Rail staff members have been honoured by the King.
Esther Lagden and Tyron Woodford have been awarded British Empire Medals in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their communities.
Esther Lagden has been recognised for her dedicated voluntary service supporting young people, while Tyron Woodford has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to inclusion, public service and community support.
Esther Lagden is a programme manager in Network Rail’s Eastern Capital Delivery team, and she has transformed the York St John Ambulance Cadet unit over the past four years. Under her leadership, scores of young people have developed confidence, leadership qualities and life saving skills. Her cadets have delivered hundreds of hours of first aid in York – including supporting high-profile events such as the Remembrance Parade and York Races – while also helping hundreds of local residents to raise their awareness of CPR.
She said: ‘I am incredibly honoured to receive this award, which was totally unexpected. My work at Network Rail on major projects and programmes has shown me how vital public safety is, and being able to share that experience through rail safety education with our Cadets and Badgers has been a real privilege.’
Tyron Woodford is a planning assistant on Network Rail’s Western route. As a founding member of Network Rail’s disability confidence staff network CanDo, Tyron has played a leading role in promoting inclusion. Outside work, he has also demonstrated remarkable dedication to helping others by making more than 350 blood donations since 2012, volunteering with his local police force, and raising thousands of pounds for charities such as the National Autistic Society.
Tyron said: ‘I really enjoy helping others both in and out of work, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to give something back.’
Network Rail CEO Jeremy Westlake said: ‘Esther and Tyron exemplify the very best of Network Rail.
‘Their commitment to public service goes far beyond their day jobs, making a real, lasting difference. From supporting young people to championing inclusion and participation, their contributions to the community reflect the values we stand for as an organisation.’