An artist from Norton, near Long Buckby, is featuring in an exhibition to celebrate the freedom of train travel for people with limited ability.

Emma Johns is part of a group of artists who have produced pieces for the National Rail ‘No Boundaries’ display.

The budding artist recently travelled, by train, from her home to St Ives and produced a piece of art about her journey. This included travelling with London Northwestern Railway from Long Buckby to Birmingham New Street on her way there, and London Euston and Long Buckby on her way back.

Emma was diagnosed with ADHD in January 2018, this followed years of medication and counselling for depression. She now uses painting to embrace the various mindfulness techniques to celebrate the creativity of her condition.

What did the officials say?

Speaking at the exhibition launch event at Kings Cross station, Emma said:

“There’s nothing quite like sitting on the train, people watching and looking out the window. It’s just inspirational and I’ve probably got around another four or five paintings from the journey still to paint.

“It’s great to know that the rail companies are making such an effort for people with physical disabilities and also for those with disabilities that perhaps aren’t so obvious. I know there’s a long way to go, especially with provision for people who use wheelchairs, but I think the train journey can be all about a sense of freedom when it works.”

Andrew Conroy, customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway said:

“We are committed to making our services fully accessible for all passengers, and are delighted to feature in this celebration of the freedom that train travel can offer.

“Emma’s experience highlights how people from all walks of life can use the railway and enjoy travel not only on our network but to connect with services across the country. We really welcome initiatives like this and will be continuing to improve the experience we offer to all our passengers.”

Jyoti Bird, Marketing Director for National Rail, explains:

“We’re thrilled to be visiting Birmingham New as the National Rail ‘No Boundaries’ exhibition travels around the country to inspire others to talk, travel and support each other without boundaries. One of the railway’s key commitments is to help more people take advantage of all of the opportunities that travelling by train opens up, which is why the National Rail website offers customers a range of tools and information to help customers plan and book their journeys with ease.

“We also offer a range of Railcards to help our customers save money on their rail travel. The money saved can then be used to make the most of the areas they are travelling to. This summer we launched our Digital Disabled Persons Railcard, which helps customers save 1/3 on rail fares for them and their companion for just £20 a year. With the introduction of digital Railcards customers no longer have to worry about losing, or forgetting, their Railcard and if the phone runs out of battery it can be transferred on to another smartphone.”

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