Sally Ralston, the Community Involvement Manager at Merseyrail, has been honoured in the inaugural King’s Birthday Honours list, receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her exceptional contributions to the Liverpool City Region community.
Sally’s nomination stems from her exemplary leadership of the community engagement program at Merseyrail, which has raised nearly £1 million for local charities and community organisations over the years.
This program aims to foster meaningful connections with various railway stakeholders throughout the Liverpool City Region.
The initiatives under the program encompass a wide range of activities, including coordinating the efforts of local community rail partnerships, engaging with schools and colleges to educate young individuals about the opportunities and risks associated with railways, and the highly successful Charity of the Year Program.
Close to £1 million has been raised through the program to support 16 local charities within the City Region. The program’s commitment to sustainability and societal impact was recognised in 2019 when it received the esteemed Sustainability and Society Award from the British Quality Foundation.
With an impressive career spanning 32 years, Sally has dedicated her expertise and passion to the City Region’s rail operator in various roles.
Since 2008, she has led Merseyrail’s community involvement efforts, leaving an indelible mark on the community and establishing herself as a respected figure within the industry.
The British Empire Medal bestowed upon Sally Ralston is a testament to her unwavering commitment to uplifting the Liverpool City Region community.
Her exceptional leadership and dedication have resulted in transformative impacts, paving the way for positive change and fostering solid connections between Merseyrail and the people it serves.
Sally Ralston BEM said, “I am delighted and slightly overwhelmed to receive the British Empire Medal. I’ve come to work every day for the last 32 years because I enjoy what I do, I’m passionate about Merseyrail and our communities and it’s been a lovely surprise to be recognised in this way.
To be even nominated for an honour is a slightly surreal experience and I’m left with an overwhelming sense of pride that all the efforts we have put in over the years are being recognised. Merseyrail is a great team, and this award reflects the work we have all done to engage our communities in the railway that serves them”.
Jane English, Acting Managing Director at Merseyrail said; “We are so proud that Sally has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, receiving the British Empire Medal.
For 32 years, Sally has dedicated herself to ensuring Merseyrail is at the heart of our community, raising close to £1million for local charities through her work championing our Charity of the Year programme and other initiatives. Her drive, commitment and passion for our communities is infectious and has played a significant part in building Merseyrail’s reputation as the best rail operator in the UK.2
Merseyrail exists to deliver a railway that the people of the communities we serve can be proud of and it’s down to the efforts of colleagues like Sally, that we are able to consistently deliver this aim.”
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