Merseyrail employee Sally Ralston, who was recognised in King Charles’ inaugural honours list, was last Thursday, 25 January presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Sally has been employed by Merseyrail since 1991 and is currently a Community Involvement Manager who leads the company’s support for charities. She received her award in recognition of her services to the community of the Liverpool City Region for which over the years she has raised nearly £1m for local charities and community organisations.

The Lord Lieutenant of Liverpool, Mark Blundell, presented Sally with her British Empire Medal at a special ceremony held at The Athenaeum in Liverpool city centre. Later this year, Sally will be attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Sally Ralston BEM said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive the BEM. Not only for me but also in recognition of the many charities we have worked with over the last 20 years, and all our staff at Merseyrail who helped to keep some of them going with their generosity.

“But knowing we are helping to make a difference to these organisations and the people who rely on them in our area is the best part of that.

“And it must be said, without the support of my friends, colleagues, and suppliers I wouldn’t be able to talk about these successes. The railway has given me opportunities to meet and help wonderful people, visit fantastic places and make lifelong friends.”

James Smith, HR Director at Merseyrail said: “We’re all very proud of Sally and the incredible work she has led on over the years. It’s thanks to this work that many lives have been changed for the better, opportunities created, and people supported when they need it most.

“Sally is not only a credit to Merseyrail, but to the whole City Region. 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.”