West Yorkshire railway worker recognised in Queen’s New Year Honours
A Huddersfield-based Learning and Development Manager has been recognised in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours list.
Richard Holliday, who works for TransPennine Express (TPE), has been given the British Empire Medal for services to mental health in West Yorkshire.
The railway worker, known as Rich, regularly gives up his time to provide life-saving support for Samaritans, and has been a strong advocate in raising awareness about suicide prevention on the railway.
He is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and helps lead TPE’s annual apprenticeship programme, where individuals are also given the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Outside of work, between 2013 and 2018, he volunteered with Kirklees Council as an Appropriate Adult supporting 10–17-year-olds in police custody.
Rich played an important role in supporting his colleagues through the Covid-19 pandemic, introducing ‘Zoom elevenses’ calls that anyone could dial into. He champions mental health awareness in the workplace and is open about his own experience in this area when providing support to others.
Reflecting on his achievement, the 47-year-old said: “I’m completely overwhelmed.
“I didn’t realise I’d been nominated but am thrilled – what an incredible honour.
“Samaritans do such important work and I am proud to do what I can for them. Giving back to others is so important and I’m so happy that my contribution has been recognised in this way.”
Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “I am so proud to see Rich recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
“His passion and energy are infectious, and he uses this in the best possible way, by supporting and inspiring others.”
Notes to editors
Media Contact:
TPE Press Office: tpepress.office@tpexpress.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
TransPennine Express
TransPennine Express is an intercity rail provider with a vision to Take the North Further. We are delivering an investment of over £500m that will transform travel and customer experience across the North and into Scotland.
We are proud to be a FirstGroup plc company which provides easy and convenient mobility, improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.
Our network is:
- North TransPennine - including Newcastle to Manchester Airport, Redcar/Middlesbrough to Manchester Airport, Scarborough to Liverpool, Edinburgh to Liverpool, Newcastle to Edinburgh and Hull to Manchester Piccadilly
- South TransPennine from Cleethorpes via Doncaster and Sheffield to Manchester
- North West and Scotland – from Liverpool and Manchester Airport to Preston, Oxenholme, Carlisle, Penrith, Edinburgh and Glasgow,
- Destinations served by TransPennine Express include Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Northallerton, Thirsk, York, Malton, Scarborough, Hull, Selby, Leeds, Huddersfield, Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Meadowhall, Doncaster, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Carlisle, Lancaster, Preston, Redcar, Morpeth, Manchester, Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth and Cramlington
Follow TPE @
www.tpexpress.co.uk
twitter.com/tpexpresstrains