On Monday a couple of weeks back, I was at the House of Lords, hearing all about the final report of the The Lilac Review UK.
A review originally launched about 18 months ago aimed at removing barriers and creating a level playing field for disabled entrepreneurs.
This has been spearheaded by the amazing team at Small Business Britain who genuinely appear to care about making a big difference.
Real legacy stuff, they have done so much in a short space of time it is unreal.
One of the barriers for disabled people is public transport.
As a wheelchair user I have been stuck on planes while they have attempted to find my chair.
Or watched in horror as my very expensive carbon fibre chair is on the baggage carousel being battered by suitcases and airport staff who do not appear to know the phrase “handle with care”.
I have been left on trains, when the person who was meant to meet me at the stop with a ramp, simply has forgot that I was on the train.
Fortunately for me when this happens I can get out of my chair, gingerly step down and lift my chair off behind me.
Some days however those barriers are lifted by great humans.
On my return to Euston, I told the “accessibility desk team” that I had landed.
They told me my platform and that I was in carriage D and asked if I would like to be accompanied or would or like to make my own way to the platform, I chose the latter, as I was wheeling down I bumped into the lovely chap in the picture.
He introduced himself as Jay said that he was the train manager, and he would be getting me on the train personally, he would also ensure personally that I got off safely at Runcorn.
He was empathetic without being condescending.
He was warm without being patronising.
He was reassuring and not aloof or dismissive
He treated me with kindness and respect and not like a troublesome piece of cargo.
In a society where we complain so easily, it is appropriate also to give praise when it is due.
Jason Lee you are an absolute credit to Avanti and yourself
You not only brightened my day, but you reinforced my view that there are some bloody lovely people out there.
To all my contacts feel free to repost and tag in anyone from Avanti that you know, as they need to know they have a person in Jason Lee that represents them impeccably.
Thanks again Jason Lee.
Paul Woods – Managing Director