Railblazers

Meet our Railblazers

Every station has a story, every journey is powered by people, and no-one knows our railway and the communities it serves better than the colleagues who live and breathe it every day.

That's why we created Railblazers.

Our Railblazers are colleague ambassadors from across Southern who help bring our railway to life. From gateline assistants and ticket office staff to train drivers, engineers and managers, they share their experiences, expertise and personal stories to inspire our passengers and showcase the people behind the journeys.

Working alongside our content marketing team, Railblazers create content, share local knowledge, and offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the railway. Whether they're revealing hidden gems near their local station, sharing career journeys, or speaking about serious issues close to their hearts, Railblazers help our passengers and fellow staff connect with the communities we serve.

Local expert guides

As local experts, our Railblazers know their areas better than anyone. They provide insider tips, destination inspiration and recommendations that help our passengers discover more with every journey. Their knowledge helps turn a simple train trip into a day out, an adventure, or a new experience.

Southampton Local Guide by Alex Pitter

Train driver for Southern, Alex Pitter, shares his insider guide to Southampton. Born and raised in the area, and having worked there as a lettings agent, he knows the city inside and out. He shares his favourite places to eat and drink, and hidden gems that most visitors miss. He’s also passionate about football, and shares his experience of watching his team play locally and creating memories with his son.

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Shoreham-by-sea Local Guide by Luca Venditto

Gateline Assistant for Southern, Luca Venditto, knows a thing or two about the beautiful and underrated seaside resort of Shoreham-by-sea. He grew up going on long walks with his family in the area, and explored its wilder side with the local air cadets. He shares his favourite places to discover, including Shoreham Fort and a particularly scenic walk.

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Andy Flynn

Andy Flynn is a Materials Controller at Selhurst Depot - and also happens to officially be the UK’s Strongest Man. He shares his story of getting into Strongman training and competitions, his experience at the World’s Strongest Man event in California, and how he balances it all with his work at Southern.

Read Andy's story

Catherine Marima

Catherine Marima is a Customer Host at London Victoria, and truly believes that this is a job that was made for her. She shares her story of working in customer service, how it’s taught her to be resilient and give everyone the chance to be understood. She loves hearing customers’ stories, is passionate about travel, and shares her favourite destinations on the Southern network.

Read Catherine's story

Joshua Quarterman

Joshua Quarterman is an Engineering Apprentice at Selhurst Depot. At only 20 years old, Joshua shares how he got into the role, his advice for other aspiring engineers, and what his job with Southern looks like on a daily basis.

Read Joshua's story

Lorrae Smith

Lorrae Smith is a survivor of domestic violence and actually used to be scared of trains. She shares her powerful story of resilience and bravery, raising awareness about violence against women and girls, how joining the rail industry changed her life forever, and how she’s now using her voice and her presence to support the women and girls around her.

Read Lorrae's story

Megan Smith

Megan Smith is the co-founder and co-chair of Southern’s Disability Employee Network. She shares her experience as a woman with autism and dyslexia, as well as her experience as a woman in engineering.

Read Megan's story

Natalie Parker

Natalie Parker is part of Southern’s Skilled Maintenance team, making sure our stations and platforms are in working order. She shares how she got into the role, why doing a Women in Leadership Apprenticeship has been so important, and her advice to other women considering a similar career path.

Read Natalie's story

Paul Freegard

Paul Freegard is a train driver for Southern, but he also wears another hat: he is a local magistrate. Paul shares what it’s like presiding over crime in his local court, how key skills like concentration and patience are important to both roles, and why he’s so proud to have spent over 20 years driving trains.

Read Paul's story

Ricky Nuttall

Ricky Nuttall, now a train driver for Southern, previously served as a firefighter and attended the Grenfell Tower fire. He shares his incredible story of that night, his subsequent mental health challenges, and speaks openly about resilience and wellbeing.

Read Ricky's story

Thomas Starbuck

Thomas Starbuck is a Customer Ambassador at London Victoria. He shares his inspiring story of experiencing homelessness when he was younger, how cognitive behavioural therapy has changed his life, and how he now supports colleagues and others in mental health awareness.

Read Thomas's story