Great Western Railways has named a train in honour of a Bracknell sewing bee who went above and beyond at the peak of the pandemic.
Following a partnership between GWR and BBC, Tracy Devlin was chosen as a BBC Make a Difference Superstar alongside 18 others that selflessly helped others during Covid-19.
Her name now features on Intercity Express Train 800034 as GWR honours BBC Make a Difference Superstars from nine regions across the network.
Bracknell born, Tracy inspired volunteers to make PPE for thousands of people across Berkshire.
Starting off on the PPE voluntary group at Garth Hill School making scrubs to donate to local hospitals and doctors’ surgeries, she soon developed this into the Facebook group Rainbow Scrubs.
Through their work, Devlin and her volunteers have raised more than £2,100 for local causes, including four iPads which they presented to the Oakwood unit at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading.
Altogether, her crew have made and donated 1,447 scrubs, 5,020 masks, 2,530 scrubs washbags, 1,250 headbands, 853 ear savers, 141 hats, 60 bandanas, 135 crocheted hearts and 225 ‘Frontline Hero’ bears.
Bracknell MP James Sunderland, said: “Tracy’s selflessness throughout the pandemic in setting up Rainbow Scrubs and providing vital PPE to the likes of care homes and doctors’ surgeries is an example to us all.
"I’m delighted that her true generosity is being recognised in this way by GWR and BBC Berkshire.”
Great Western Railway, Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “Tracy went to incredible lengths to support her community during the pandemic and we’re thrilled to add her name to the side of an Intercity Express Train. “The GWR has a long and proud history of naming trains after Great Westerners – past
Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England said: “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.
“It has been humbling to learn about the kind-hearted efforts of so many in our communities and Tracy is a great example to the rest of us. Congratulations to her and to the team at BBC Berkshire.”
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