Train passenger reunited with lifesavers at Reading — bbc coverage highlighted the rescue
A 69-year-old man who collapsed on a Swindon-to-London train has publicly thanked the crew, rail staff, passengers and emergency responders who helped save his life. The man, identified as Ian Drewry, returned to Reading Station on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET) to meet the team involved in the September 14, 2025 (ET) emergency.
How the emergency unfolded
Drewry suffered a cardiac arrest while the service was approaching Reading station on September 14, 2025 (ET). A fellow passenger pulled the emergency alarm, bringing the train to a stop. The on-board train manager, Veronika Rogers, attended and found Drewry not breathing. By chance a doctor travelling on the train began administering CPR immediately while another passenger called 999.
Signallers worked with staff to hold the train at Reading so emergency services could reach the scene. Dispatchers on duty sourced a station defibrillator and set up screens on the platform to preserve privacy and keep the area clear. Drewry was taken to hospital after emergency teams arrived and subsequently made a recovery.
Return to Reading: gratitude and recognition
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET), Drewry returned to Reading Station to meet the train manager, dispatchers and representatives from the ambulance and air ambulance services involved in his rescue, along with the station delivery manager. He told those present: “This has been truly amazing – I just didn’t realise the amount of people involved on that Sunday afternoon last September. It’s so important to come back and say thank you. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for all those who helped me on the day; the platform staff, the train manager, the train driver and all those who coordinated to get the help I needed. ”
Veronika Rogers described the moment she realised a medical emergency was underway: “I could already see a doctor tending to the gentleman, so I quickly called through to the driver to ask that the train was moved on to Reading. I’m just so happy to hear that he survived and I’m very happy to meet him. It’s all about teamwork – I only played a small part by speaking to the driver, but everyone who got involved did their bit to help save his life. ”
Teamwork, quick thinking and public response
Dispatchers Jack McIntyre and Michael Lamb explained their actions at the time. One said the incident occurred within his first few days of qualifying as a dispatcher, adding that adrenaline kicked in and he focused on directing people away from the scene and getting the defibrillator onto the platform. The station delivery manager who joined the reunion praised the fast, coordinated response and said it was moving that Drewry wanted to return in person to express his thanks.
The incident underlines how a chain of small, immediate actions—an emergency alarm being pulled, a medically trained passenger beginning CPR, staff securing the platform and rapid ambulance response—can add up to a life saved. Crew and station teams highlighted the importance of calm communication, clear access for emergency services, and the availability of defibrillators at stations.
Drewry’s return visit served both as a personal thank-you and as a public reminder of the value of preparedness and teamwork on the railway. Those involved described the reunion as emotional and rewarding, and the story has prompted renewed appreciation for frontline rail staff and travelling medical professionals who step in during critical moments.
