Avanti West Coast’s Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Zoe Flannagan, has been honoured with the Rising Star award at this year’s Heart of Gold ceremony. The annual event, organised by the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF), recognises individuals who make a meaningful difference across the rail industry.

Originally from Solihull in the West Midlands, Zoe joined Avanti West Coast in April 2024, bringing with her a strong background in public health. Her previous career included more than six years as a children’s nurse, specialising in community public health and focusing on reducing health inequalities through education and evidence-based practice to improve care.

Colleagues across the railway voted for Zoe, acknowledging the impact she has made in a short period. She has helped strengthen Avanti West Coast’s support for staff by expanding the number of Mental Health Champions and taking a wellbeing drop-in roadshow around the network and office locations. These sessions offer quick health checks and highlight support services available to employees, ranging from Cycle to Work schemes and Reflexology providers to assistance from the Railway Benefit Fund.

Zoe said she was surprised to receive the accolade.

“I feel extremely privileged to receive the RBF Heart of Gold Award,” she explained. “It’s been a whirlwind since leaving the NHS and joining the railway family last year, but I’ve loved every moment. I’m truly passionate about bringing preventive healthcare to the forefront and encouraging healthier, happier lifestyles for our people - who are at the heart of everything we do.”

RBF CEO Jo Kaye praised the award recipients, saying,

“These awards are a recognition chosen by the rail community itself. It is a genuine, peer-to-peer acknowledgement where our front-line colleagues take the opportunity to celebrate and offer a simple 'thank you' to those around them who quietly make an outstanding difference every day”.

Image: Avanti West Coast