Eastbourne railway workers star in YouTube video to raise cash for NHS

Southern Rail conductor Bernie Barnaville had the idea to create a song, and was joined by fellow musicians from the team, conductor Ricky Duggins and driver Harry McCormick.

The trio’s YouTube video had amassed more than 3,500 views, as of Monday (May 18), and their JustGiving page has so far raised £260 out of their £1,000 target.

Eastbourne conductor manager Jamie Cleary said, “I think it’s brilliant - Bernie said he wanted to do something to support the NHS and I’m completely behind it.

“People know about the NHS workers we’re carrying to work, but they may forget about the postmen, the teachers and everyone else, who travel each day for all kinds of work - so we wanted to remember them.”

Bernie said, “It’s a collaboration between a lot of us at Eastbourne, and we wanted to show as key workers ourselves, we support those who put themselves on the frontline every day.”

Harry said, “We know it won’t be a Captain Tom but we think it will make a difference. We hope people can visit our JustGiving page to climb aboard the train and do their bit.”

A Southern Rail spokesperson said they, Thameslink and Great Northern all have trains bearing messages of thanks to the NHS and other key workers.

Angie Doll, managing director of Southern and Gatwick Express, said, “I’m so proud of everyone across the railway family who is working to keep our services running for key workers including the NHS.”

The lyrics, written out below, recognise key workers from retail staff, to teachers and the NHS, highlighting the work Southern Rail colleagues are doing to keep trains clean and people moving:

This train is bound for glory, this train;

All aboard and lend a hand

For the NHS to free the land

This train is bound for glory this train.

This train will the keep people moving, this train

Retail staff who keep us fed, the NHS cause they’re the best

This train will keep the people moving, this train

All aboard and lend a hand

For the NHS to free the land

This train is bound for glory this train

This train will keep the kids learning, this train

Taking teachers to the schools, keep on teaching with basic tools

All aboard and lend a hand, for the NHS to free the land

This train is bound for glory this train

This train is cleaned right through, this train

This train is cleaned right through, cleaned right through by the Eastbourne crew

All aboard and lend a hand

For the NHS to free the land

This train is bound for glory this train

This train is bound for freedom, Key workers are more than welcome.

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