It was full steam ahead for Andy’s Children’s Hospice as one young patient enjoyed an exclusive visit to Cleethorpes Train Station, courtesy of the team at TransPennine Express.   

Leo, who is an avid train lover, visited the station with the hospice team to experience the TransPennine Class 185 Engine in a unique manner.  Given the chance to sit in the driver’s seat, start the engines and see how to change the lights with instructions from Karl Collier, one of the driver aids, it was an exciting insight for Leo and the team about how the engine works. 

Leo also received a specially decorated TransPennine teddy bear with a brand-coloured scarf designed by Katherine Meek, and goodies from the Cleethorpes Depot team. 

Katherine Meek, Driver Manager for Cleethorpes TransPennine, said: “We had a letter dropped off at the booking office asking if it would be possible for one of the children from St Andrew’s Hospice to go on the train, and for me it's in my gift to give.”   

Leo also made the train talk and conducted some announcements with Caroline Latus-Josephs, who is the real person behind the voice of the 185 engines.   

Andy McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TransPennine Express, highlighted how trips such as this evidence the vital support that local businesses and organisations can provide young people and their families within hospice care. 

He said: “We’re incredibly proud of our colleagues at Cleethorpes for making Leo’s wish come true. Their dedication and care truly reflect the values we stand for at TPE. Creating moments like this is a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can have in the communities we serve.” 

Chris, one of the Andy's team who attended the day trip, said: “Everybody deserves a chance for their wish to come true.”

 Following the visit, Leo and his caregivers have promised that they will visit the team at TransPennine Express again and will have a go at sounding the horn “really, really loudly!"

Katherine concluded by adding: “I believe that you're never too young or old to have a wish made. The railway is inclusive; it’s for everybody. We’ve had an opportunity to make a wish happen for children at the hospice and we hope to do so again."