Driving trains is a dream for many young children, and for train fanatic eight-year-old Alfie Palmer from Barton Mills, Thameslink made his dream a realisation.

Alfie has a condition called Spina bifida, which means he has to use a wheelchair.

It all began when Alfie appeared on BBC Three Counties Radio, on a show hosted by Justin Dealey.

As a surprise, Justin had arranged for Alfie and his dad to attend Kenilworth Road to watch a Luton Town match, as Alfie is also a big supporter of the Hatters.

It was on this show that Alfie mentioned he loved trains and his dream was to become a train driver.

It was after this that Justin arranged a special behind-the-scenes trip for Alfie with Thameslink.

On the day of the trip, Alife, along with his mum and dad, Lisa and Kevin, arrived at Luton Airport Parkway. Here they met Thameslink driver and Competency Manager Barry Minall and station manager Joe Healy.

They presented Alfie with a Hi-Viz jacket and a whistle, before he joined station staff on platform 2 and helped out by announcing trains that were scheduled to arrive.

After this, they boarded the 11:23 to Bedford. Having de-trained here, Alfie was invited to sit in the rear cab of another train as it headed back through Luton Airport Parkway.

Dad Kevin lifted Alfie into in driving seat, at which point Alfie was in his element and overcome with excitement as he looked out of the cab window seeing what only train drivers get to see as the train made its way towards London.

Under Barry’s instruction, Alfie was invited to make onboard announcements to customers travelling on the train. Alfie executed his announcement palpably to the joy of the passengers on the train.

Over the course of his life, Alfie and his family have used Thameslink on a number of occasions to attend Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where he has received treatment.

“The Thameslink staff were brilliant, so helpful. They were on hand to help us throughout the journey.”

Kevin, Alfie’s Father

“As soon as we heard about Alfie’s love of trains, we wanted to make that dream come true. He can’t take to the driver’s cab just yet but we arranged the next best thing – a trip in a cab. And – never-say-never – his wheelchair may be an issue in driving a train now but who knows how things might change in the future!”

Thameslink driver, Competency Manager Barry Minall

“Alfie’s at the age now where he’s asking questions. He said, ‘Mummy, I can’t use my legs; will I always be like this? Why can’t they fix me?’ We focus on what he can do, not what he can’t. We hope he’ll eventually be able to use a walking frame. Also, when he’s a teenager, we want to make sure he’s independent. He needs to have the confidence to travel which is why this trip has been so important.”

Lisa, Alfie’s Mother