A TransPennine Express (TPE) employee has been awarded a prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Victoria Snell, who lives in Salford, Greater Manchester, is a mental health champion who has been described as an ‘inspiration’ to her colleagues at TransPennine Express (TPE).

Born in Plymouth, Victoria, 30, relocated to Manchester several years ago for work. She is a champion for mental health awareness, not only at TPE but across the rail industry, disability forum, and her social media networks.

Four and a half years ago, following five different operations, Victoria chose to have her leg amputated, which had a significant impact on her own mental health. Since then, she has spoken openly about her disability and her experience living with continual Phantom Pain from her amputated leg, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety.

Victoria is passionate about breaking down boundaries around amputation and mental health awareness. She has taken part in numerous panels, talks, presentations, and interviews to share her own advice and experience with others.

In recent years, she took the lead in setting up a ‘Take 10′ initiative at TPE, which encourages staff at all levels to take 10 minutes to have a chat and a cup of tea with another person.

This is the second time a TPE employee has been recognised for services to mental health, as Victoria’s colleague, Rich Holliday, also received a BEM in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Victoria said:

“Receiving a British Empire Medal from the Queen during the year of her Platinum Jubilee is just so special..
“I’m passionate about normalising mental health and encouraging others to do the same.

“My own mental health challenges are as much as part of me as the fact that I use a prosthetic leg and I want to continue to do all I can to raise awareness in this area.”

Matthew Golton, Managing Director at TransPennine Express said:

“I am so pleased to see our inspirational TPE colleague Victoria recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
“Mental health is incredibly important, and Victoria has worked tirelessly to raise awareness in this area, all while living with her own mental health challenges and continuing rehabilitation following her surgery.

“Her honesty and openness in this area has helped others and she is an inspiration for many.”