Good Samaritans of LNER come to the rescue with emergency G&T - Vladimir McTavish
Despite having twisted my ankle and still needing to temporarily walk with a stick, I am still aiming to complete the 5k run at this year’s Edinburgh Marathon. Although, based on the evidence of Wednesday afternoon, I have much work to do between now and next month.
I was travelling down to Newcastle to meet up with some friends. I thought I had an open return. Only when I arrived at Waverley at 3.15pm, I saw this “open return” was only valid on Lumo services and their next train was leaving at 3.25. I ran as hard as I could with my stick and was halfway up the platform doing a kind of half-limp half-sprint when I heard the whistle blow and saw the train disappearing in a southerly direction.
However, a couple of LNER platform staff had witnessed my fruitless rush, as had a colleague from her office on the concourse. They immediately appeared at my side, one pushing a wheelchair. “Don’t worry”, she said. “We’ll get you on the 4 o’clock train”.
When I explained I had a Lumo Only ticket, she replied not to worry that she go to the office and issue a temporary LNER travel voucher. I was then wheeled like some mediaeval monarch, on to the 4pm train. Taking my seat, I noticed my good Samaritans had also upgraded me to first class.
First class on the East Coast mainline, offers passengers free at-seat catering services. So, ten minutes out from Waverley, I was sitting at my window seat admiring the spring sunshine and sipping at a gin and tonic.
The steward came around again before Berwick, so I ordered another. Onto my second G&T, and still in Scotland. Now that’s the start to a good night out. More drinks were imbibed when I met my pals, ending with a nightcap back at my hotel.
Travelling back home on the Thursday, my Lumo train crew were equally helpful. But I was too hungover for a gin. Anyway, it never tastes as good when you have to pay for it yourself.