Network Rail employee honoured for Ukraine aid work

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Zoe Sookun, an employee of Network Rail, has been honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the railway sector. She received this prestigious award for her remarkable efforts in overseeing the Rail Aid for Ukraine project.

In her role as project manager, Zoe successfully orchestrated the allocation of a £10 million aid package from Network Rail to Ukrainian Railways. Her responsibilities encompassed the efficient execution of various crucial components, such as:

• Procuring eight bridge spans to replace damaged bridge decks
• Installing bridge supports to substitute damaged abutments
• Providing four heavy JCB construction machines to aid in grain export operations
• Arranging containers for the facilitation of grain export
• Implementing automated railway inspection equipment to ensure precise assessment of bomb damage
• Introducing a rapid tunnel repair system to mend damaged railway tunnels

Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) expressed profound gratitude during the annual general meeting of the International Union of Railways, specifically commending Network Rail and the DfT (Department for Transport) as the sole entities extending tangible support. The railways serve as a lifeline in Ukraine, handling 60% of the country’s freight transportation, underscoring their paramount importance.

Zoe Sookun’s exceptional leadership and dedication in managing this critical aid initiative have significantly contributed to alleviating the challenges faced by the Ukrainian railway system, earning her this esteemed recognition.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail’s chief executive, said:

“Zoe’s dedication to supporting the delivery of the Rail Aid for Ukraine project has been inspiring. She represents the very best of us and richly deserves this recognition. Thank you for all your hard work and many congratulations!” 

Zoe Sookun BEM said:

“I am so proud to be recognised in the New Year’s Honours list for delivery of the £10m Rail Aid package into Ukraine. This was unlike anything I had ever managed; it was more than a project; it was a personal mission. I felt immense responsibility to succeed, having to quickly upskill in new areas to manage risks effectively, which was a little overwhelming at times, but knowing what we were delivering and why, kept me going until the end.

“What was achieved is not just a testament to one person, but to the amazing team of people that supported, encouraged, and remained dedicated throughout. From my colleagues at Network Rail, to the DfT, our amazing Supply Chain, and those at UZ (Ukrzaliznytsia – Ukraine’s equivalent to Network Rail), who worked tirelessly alongside me, to stringent timescales and through so many complexities, to deliver what will provide a lasting benefit to Ukraine.

“I cannot put in to words the emotions I felt when I visited the depot and saw the containers filled with bridging equipment being loaded on to the wagons. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief that we had done it! Being able to see the loaded trains leave and then travelling to Poland to sign over the aid to UZ will be a memory that I will hold on to for years to come.”

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