Lorraine Lewis is Co-Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation, a cancer charity which provides free gift packs and support to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals across the Midlands.

Not just a charity leader, Lorraine is also a motivational speaker, inspiring audiences, ranging from school children to corporate professionals. She has given talks nationally and internationally to organisations such as the Eden Project, European Chartered Institute of Fundraising and Westminster Health Care Forum. Her story has captured the attention of audiences nationwide, and she has featured in publications like The Sun, Hello! and even made appearances on national TV such as Channel 4 News.

Lorraine has received a number of awards for her service to the community. She proudly holds the Hello! Magazine Inspiration Award, Great British Entrepreneur Award and the prestigious Prime Minister Point of Light Award. Recently embracing the role of an author, her memoir ‘Dare To Dream,’ shares her journey from a Lawyer to Co-Founder of The Lewis Foundation.

Ade has responsibility for supporting and promoting community rail development through the continued delivery of the Community Rail Development Strategy and engaging with key stakeholders.

After 12 years as the Executive Director, Andy retired from employment with the Railway Heritage Trust in 2023, but was promptly appointed as its Chair. Andy’s long involvement with the RHT has involved not only the restoration of the industry’s built heritage but also finding new uses for redundant railway property. Andy is also Chairman of the National Railway Heritage Awards, of which he has been a Trustee for 13 years. Previously Deputy Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents, Andy has always had an interest in railway heritage, with well over fifty years working on the Ffestiniog Railway, nearly forty of which were as a director.

Barbara is a consumer consultant and past board member of Passenger Focus (now Transport Focus), which represented passengers in the bus and rail sectors. She has considerable experience of complaints handling and regulating professions. Barbara is currently a trustee of the Association of Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition Sciences. She brings an independent and analytical approach to the judging process.

Dominic has worked in transport policy since 2012, on a variety of challenges, both customer and strategy focused. As a person with lived and professional experience, Dominic focuses on inclusive solutions that empower customers to control their journey with confidence and dignity. Recent projects include the Passenger Assist Improvement Programme and supporting Greater Anglia with the design and implementation of the new Stadler Flirt vehicles.

With a career in transport spanning more than fifty years – public and private sectors, bus and train – Peter has been active in community rail at all levels for the past twenty years. Awarded an MBE for services to rural transport, he was chair of ACoRP from 2003 to 2018. As a writer and historian, he continues his research and publications on rural transport.

Jim has been involved with both tourism and community rail for many years. When working as tourism manager for Lancaster City Council, he was heavily involved with the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership and spent over seven years as an ACoRP (Community Rail Network) board member. In 2010 he became the Community Rail Officer for the Furness and Lakes lines, working closely with local station groups, councils, and Cumbria Tourism. Jim retired in April 2018, but remained involved for another couple of years as the vice-chair of the Lakes Line.

Chris is the policy manager for stations and community rail at the Department for Transport. He has worked in rail policy since 2018, having previously advised on HS2 and policies related to regulated fares setting and discount schemes. Prior to this, Chris worked at the Department for Education, advising on funding for academy schools.

Alice coordinates Community Rail Network’s annual Community Rail Week and Days Out by Rail campaigns, advising members on how to amplify their key messages and further raise the profile of community rail. Alice is also responsible for supporting members in the promotion of tourism and leisure travel on community rail lines, sharing her 18 years of tourism experience. Alice also manages Community Rail Network’s tourism website, Scenic Rail Britain.

Nicky has an extensive background in developing business and marketing plans for railways. In 2018 she completed a PhD at the University of York which explores how rail industry managers know what they know, and why new timetables fail in implementation. Alongside her continued research she teaches marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Paul is a well-known photographer and writer whose career spans 21 years. He works for both the national and international media and companies within the rail industry.

Mark is a career railwayman now retired after lengthy service, latterly as client & stakeholder manager for Northern Rail. He is now chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, a group that recognises, promotes and rewards the work of volunteer and community groups at stations in the former county of Cheshire.