Following in his father's footsteps: EMR pays tribute to driver through son's achievement

EMR hosted a special ceremony to celebrate a trainee driver who is following in the footsteps of his father, who sadly passed away due to complications connected with COVID-19.

Darren Gunn, who started on the railway in 1988 and died in 2021, was well respected and valued by all who knew him and his passing brought out the true Railway Family Spirit not only at Derby but across EMR's whole network.

A bench in Darren's memory stands proudly outside of Rickman House in Derby.

Following in his father's footsteps, Owen Gunn has embarked on his own journey within EMR, starting as a customer host at the age of 18. Now, aged 21, he has qualified as an apprentice driver - a testament to his dedication and determination.

EMR proudly celebrated Owen's achievement as an apprentice driver in a moving ceremony held at the bench outside of Rickman House. 

Owen Gunn, Depot Driver for East Midlands Railway, said: “I knew I wanted to be a train driver since I can first remember. I've been brought up around the railway and as a child, I felt so much pride in seeing my dad drive his train at my local station.

“After four years of working as a Customer Host, the role of Depot Driver came at just the right time. I feel proud and very excited, but also a little nervous as I embark on the next step working at the Derby depot.

“I know my dad would be proud of me following in his footsteps, just as I always said I would, I can sense his big smile from here.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “Owen joined EMR in February 2020 as a Customer Host and he has since pursued his ambition to become a train driver.

“The ceremony was a poignant moment, as we remembered Owen’s father, our colleague and friend, Darren Gunn, who sadly passed away in December 2021 due to complications from Covid-19.

“Darren was a well-respected and valued Train Driver at EMR. He embodied the spirit of being part of the Railway Family and is greatly missed by those who knew him. The bench placed outside Rickman House stands in memory of Darren.

"Congratulations to Owen on this proud achievement and welcome to the Driver Team at EMR.”

Patrick Mythen, Depot Driver Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "Darren was a great guy who loved the railway. I managed him personally for several years and he was an absolute dream to work with. He came to work did his job and did it very well.

"He was such a likeable guy who had a great circle of railway family friends. I'm delighted that his son Owen is joining us, he will be great. He has Darren's temperament and I know he will continue the good work that his dad started.

"Owen was destined to follow in his dad's footsteps and I'm so pleased to be a part of his journey."