Two railway workers have been recognised for their efforts in saving an injured swan who had been hit by a train. East Midlands Railway train driver Robert Buchanan and Network Rail Mobile Operations Manager Jim Filby have received framed Hero to Animals Awards from PETA.
According to reports, Buchanan jumped into action when he spotted the swan, who was injured after being hit by a freight train, on the Midland Main Line railway near Milton Ernest. He scooped up the injured bird, brought them aboard his train, and stopped off at Kettering station, where Filby took over and handed the swan over to a local animal rescue charity.
“I am surprised and delighted to receive this award from PETA,” says Buchanan. “Unbelievably, this isn’t the first swan I have rescued from a railway. I am thankful we were able to save this one and happy the swan is now safe and well.”
Filby said: “It’s lovely to receive this award, and I’m grateful to PETA for it. However, I see it as being just part of my job. It’s never nice to see any animal injured on the railway, so I’m really glad that we were able to work together to help this swan and get a positive outcome. They’re now in the safe hands of the team at Animals In Need, who will give them all the love and care they need.”
Praising their efforts, PETA director Elisa Allen said: “The kind actions of Robert Buchanan and Jim Filby should inspire others throughout the community and beyond to come to the aid of animals in need.
“Network Rail and East Midlands Railway are fortunate to have workers who are ready to protect and serve both passengers and the wildlife who travel on their railways.”
For more information on helping wildlife in need, click here or visit PETA.org.uk.
Photo credit: PETA
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