GB Railfreight, together with its industry partner Porterbrook, has unveiled a specially repainted freight locomotive in the blue and white colours of the National Health Service. The new livery was unveiled to coincide with the weekly celebrations to thank frontline workers in our health and social care sector.
The UK rail freight operator decided to mark the fifth of the now weekly ‘claps’ by repainting one of its freight locomotives and unveiling it at 8pm, while millions of people across the UK were clapping outside their front doors to thank frontline workers.
The repainting of 66731 was undertaken by Arlington Fleet Services, Eastleigh, and was co-funded by the locomotive’s owner and long-term GB Railfreight partner, Porterbrook.
GB Railfreight is playing its part in supporting the UK’s COVID-19 response by helping to keep essential services running across the country from ports such as London Gateway, Southampton, Felixstowe and Teesport to distribution centres across the country.
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said: “Thank you to all NHS staff and carers across the country for the hard work you have been doing to keep us safe. Across the UK you are seeing week in, week out, an outpouring of love and affection of our frontline staff and we are taking a minute today to say our thanks on behalf of GB Railfreight and the rail industry.
“The unveiling of this locomotive is our way of saying thanks for all you are doing. We are inspired by you and wanted to say thank you in the usual GBRf way, by painting one of our regular Class 66 which will be travelling the lengths and breadths of the country to keep our economy moving during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Now it will also carry our message of thanks to all our carers.”
Mary Grant, Porterbrook CEO, added: “We are delighted to support GB Railfreight in thanking NHS staff and carers for all that they do at this unprecedented time in our nation’s life. Porterbrook is also hugely grateful to all the front-line railway staff, including John’s team, who are the unsung heroes in keeping Britain’s economy moving.”
