All aboard the Melksham heroes train!

Local Covid heroes recognised with train naming honour

TWO Melksham locals, Sarah Williams-Martin and Myles Pilling, have had their names emblazoned on high speed trains in recognition of their efforts to help others during the pandemic

Both residents were recognised as part of the ‘Make a Difference Superstars’ initiative, which was led by the BBC and Great Western Railway (GWR). 

Charity worker Sarah, was chosen as one of two winners in the BBC Radio Bristol region for her efforts to set up Compassionate Communities – a team of 2,500 volunteers that supported over 4,000 people vulnerable people across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES). It is the second time Sarah has been recognised for her efforts – she was also awarded a BEM in the New Year Honours 2022 list. 

In the BBC Radio Wiltshire region, charity worker Myles was named as a runner-up for his work to support families and loved ones to connect during the pandemic using technology. 

In recognition of her work, Sarah has had an Intercity Express Train 800032 named after her – her name is now displayed at one end of the train. Sarah came face to face with the ‘Sarah Williams-Martin train’ at a special ceremony last month. 

Sarah told Melksham News, “I was delighted to eventually see the reveal – due to Covid it has taken over a year to organise with GWR – but it was well worth the wait! It was slightly surreal, when you look at who has trains named after them, but I felt so honoured to be in such great company.  

“I do believe this was a joint effort with all the amazing volunteers stepping up to help and whilst my name is on the train, it represents the amazing work we achieved by working together to help others.” 

 At the start of the first lockdown, Sarah built a volunteer management database to manage 2,500 volunteers who helped over 4,000 individuals and families get essential food and medication.  She also designed packs for those living with dementia to help support them and their carers during lockdown.   

Sarah also developed a payment system which allowed for shopping worth more than £150,000 to reach those in need. After the lockdowns, she personally sought help for over 500 individuals to rehabilitate them back into independence.  Sarah also went on to recruit and manage over 1,000 volunteers at the large vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse.  

About Sarah’s achievements, local MP Michelle Donelan said, “Our communities came together during lockdown because of people like Sarah and it is because of them that we have managed to get through these very difficult couple of years. In addition to her very well-deserved BEM, I’m so pleased that her huge contribution is being marked by GWR and BBC Radio Bristol.” 

Whilst Myles was not picked as the overall winner in the BBC Radio Wiltshire region, the story behind his nomination touched the hearts of the judges. So much so, that GWR extended the prize to allow for a side panel on one of their high-speed trains for Myles and two other runner-ups. 

“Myles Pillling – Used technology to bring disabled people together and helped loved ones speak to families in care homes. In memory of Richard Marchant,” says the message about Myles on the side of the GWR high speed train. 

Richard Marchant, who died in 2020, was the husband of Sandra – the pair were supported by Myles to connect via Skype when they were unable to meet in person during the first lockdown. 

“Back in 2020 we were all faced by one of the most horrendous situations,” explains Myles. “We were in a pandemic and many people were separated from their loved ones. The only way for us to communicate was via video conferencing or phone calls. For someone with dementia, a phone call is not easy. It is much better to see them. 

“Sandra Marchant’s husband Richard was one such person, and he was in a care home. Sandra had not been able to see him for 12 weeks. She is not a tech-savvy person at all. In fact, more techno- fear than savvy. So I encouraged her to connect first with the church services we were doing, then with the care home Richard was at.  

“We managed a few calls on Skype until the day came when he caught Covid. At the time we didn’t know how ill he was, but sadly later that day he passed away. But Sandra was able to see him and she said, ‘You don’t know just how much that means to me’.” 

GWR’s managing director, Mark Hopwood said, “The GWR has a long and proud history of naming trains after Great Westerners – past and present heroes from across our network – and it’s especially poignant that we’re able to add these two community stalwarts to that list. 

“It was a privilege to partner with the BBC Make a Difference campaign and the stories which featured on BBC local radio were truly overwhelming.” 

Head of audio and digital for BBC England, Chris Burns added, “We have been amazed by the response of many listeners to our Make a Difference campaign on Local BBC Radio, as listeners have been helping each other out throughout the pandemic.”