Firefighter, formerly an accountant, recognized with a song marking 200 years of railway achievement
From Accountant to Steam Engine Fireman: Joanne Ormesher's Inspirational Journey
Joanne Ormesher, an accountant by trade, has found a unique passion in volunteering as a steam engine fireman on the Llangollen Railway in north Wales. Her duties include shoveling hundreds of kilos of coal and ensuring the engine is working correctly.
This role, physically demanding and challenging, took nearly a year for Joanne's body to adapt. However, it's a role that connects her to her late grandfather, who was an engineer and made model trains.
Joanne's life was transformed after encountering a steam engine at a local station. This encounter led her to volunteer on the railway, a decision that proved to be life-changing. In 2019, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, but she was determined to return to firing steam engines just ten weeks after treatment.
Her story is one of resilience and inspiration, demonstrating the powerful impact that railways can have on people's lives. It's a story that has been turned into songs for BBC Radio 2's 21st Century Folk, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey.
One of these songs, "Firecracker" by Findlay Napier, was written about Joanne. Upon hearing it, she was emotional, moved by the tribute to her dedication and passion.
In addition to her work on the railway, Joanne advocates for passing on her knowledge to the next generation of railway enthusiasts. She also champions greater opportunities for women on heritage railways, inspiring many with her determination and love for the steam engines.
This year, the bicentenary year of the modern railway, is being celebrated with a "whistle-up" of more than 200 locomotives across five continents and a traveling exhibition train called Inspiration. Hundreds of events are happening across the country and the rest of the world to mark this occasion.
On Friday, Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from The Greatest Gathering, a railway summit in Derby. Joanne's story, along with others like hers, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the railway and its ability to inspire and bring people together.
[1] Source for Joanne's story being turned into songs [2] Source for Joanne's story being inspirational
[1] "Joanne Ormesher's incredible journey from accountant to steam engine fireman has been commemorated with songs, as part of BBC Radio 2's 21st Century Folk's celebration of the 200th anniversary of the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey."
[2] "Joanne Ormesher's story is a testament to resilience, inspiration, and the powerful impact railways can have on people's lives, as demonstrated by the hundreds of events happening globally to mark the bicentenary year of the modern railway."
