My Letter to East Midlands

I will try to keep this brief and to the point, because to be honest, it hurts me so much inside to keep reliving the horrible experience. I was invited to attend the AGM of the 'Inclusive Cycling Forum' in my new role, as a Welfare Officer. Now because the meeting was in Birmingham, we all traveled by public transport from various parts of the UK, by public transport, to New Street. My journey plans had begun about a month previously I had phoned to book Travel Assistance, for myself and my mobility cycle. The operator, checked the dimensions of my cycle and assured me, that I could infect travel on the trains I was booked onto, without having to fold my trike. As I'm not terribly dexterous, due to disability, and my mental capacity would make it nearly impossible to reassemble, when I got off the train. I began my journey at Dore in Sheffield, and with minimal fuss, it was great!! The guard was helpful, and I had a friend at hand if needed. I will be recommending Northern Rail. Once at Midland Station, although I was approached by a couple of Platform Staff, and told not to cycle. They did indeed except the fact that it was 'my wheelchair'. And once I'd found my 'assistance', he led me through the station clearing my way.

I boarded my East Midlands Train to Birmingham, with very little fuss, as my cycle simple rolled into the Guards Van. This was fantastic, I thought, and for once, I felt at one with my fellow passengers. Not inferior, or singled out in anyway. I could look ahead instead of staring at my shoes.

I arrived at New Street and I was greeted by a fantastic guy called Leeson, who was so helpful, he had exactly the right attitude, not in the least bit patronizing, which is often a mistake, the helping services make. I told him I'd be back for the 17.30 train back to Sheffield.

My ICF meeting went well, where we discussed my forthcoming appearance on ITV and my journey to London etc.

On my return to the station, Leeson found me and realised I was in time to catch the train 30minutes earlier than the scheduled one. So I asked if he could telephone ahead to make my assistance in Sheffield aware that I was on the 1703 out of New Street. The cupboard space was not quite big enough for my cycle, and everyone was starting to flap including myself. Because the train was due to depart, with a shuv, my cycle jammed, much to my relief. I could continue my journey home. I bid my farewell to Leeson,. who I am not apportioning any blame too. When on the train, I repeated to a train guard that I would require assistance and could someone please check that they had been notfied at Sheffield, that I was in fact 30mins early.

As we pulled into Sheffield Midland Station, I pushed my way through Bradford City football supporters, who were to be my knights in shining armor . Expecting at least 1 member of staff to help me, no one did ? So once stationary I had to lean out of the train and SHOUT down the platform for some help. A member of platform staff, gave his own quick assesment of the jammed cycle, turned to me and said 'Tough, I'm not shifting that!!!, You'll have to leave it. The train needs to go' The young men who'd witnessed this, were indeed mortified. And very quickly kicked my cycle out of it's jammed position, because the train was about to leave for Edinburgh!!! with me and my cycle!!!

Once off, I asked the very reluctant platform staff if they were in fact going to take me to where I catch my Dore train please? All 3 of them turned and said 'Don't expect help from us love!!!' Crying I made my way to customer services. (with great difficulty I might add, as my cycle had been broken, in transit. The left brake, the steering, and the seating position, and a flat tyre.) all of which are repairable if you are physically capable but I'm not) At customer services, they were reluctant to help but did a little. This guy pointed me to the wrong platform to wait for my Dore train, whilst waiting I saw 'Chris' who had kept a watchful eye on me at the start of the day. I was SOOOO glad to see him. At the end of a very arduous day. It was such a shame, I have discovered that I can't be independent and spontaneous, and rely on the rail service to offer help.

Caroline Waugh