Young Freya Bevan today unveiled a train named in her honour as Great Western Railway paid tribute to her unstinting bravery.
The nine-year-old, who is currently battling a third brain tumour, unveiled Intercity Express Train number 800317 at London Paddington before boarding her own train home to Neath.
She was chosen for the train naming as part of GWR’s Great Westerners campaign, recognising past and present heroes from across the network.
Other Great Westerners to be celebrated include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Welsh sporting legends Sir Gareth Edwards and John Charles, and Paddington Bear author Michael Bond.
Freya was in London this week to meet TV star and children’s author David Walliams, having been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award.
Freya said:
“Having a train named after me has made me feel really good and happy and special.”
Her mum Katherine added:
“For Great Western Railway to recognise Freya as a Great Westerner means so much to all of us. People have recognised her great strength and determination she’s a real inspiration to so many.”
Freya was diagnosed with a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour (PNET) when she was just a baby and underwent pioneering treatment in America after her family raised £110,000 to fund the trip.
Sadly, in October last year, an MRI scan revealed a new tumour had grown and she returned to America for further Proton Beam Therapy with the same doctor who had treated her previously.
Since returning home a new tumour has appeared and is growing rapidly. Freya is about to start a new drug from Germany which has the ability to shrink the tumour, but it costs £1,000 a week.
Her family have embarked on another round of fundraising and anyone wishing to help can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-freyas-bevans-cancer-treatment
GWR Head of External Communications Dan Panes said:
“Our Great Westerners campaign celebrates remarkable people from across our network and Freya is a brilliant example. She has shown such courage throughout her young life and we are proud to name one of our IETs in her honour.”
