Colas Rail UK Commemorate Nathan Hayes

Nathan’s Northwest OTM Team from Colas Rail UK attended to pay their respects
Image credit: Alex Hall/Rail Infrastructure Magazine

Recently, our Northwest OTM from Rail Services team honoured their colleague, Nathan Hayes, naming a tamper in tribute to him at Ribble Steam Railway and Museum, Preston.

The DR73942, a 08 4X4 Unimat Tamper was named after Nathan, who tragically passed away at age 33 due to an underlying health issue whilst carrying out machine maintenance in London on the 7^th August 2023.

Nathan joined Colas Rail UK in 2020 after spending his previous working life at Rigbyes Citroen as a mechanic. Nathan quickly developed his skills as a tamper operator and skilled fitter, capable of fixing any of our machines and sending them back into service. Nathan was a hard-working, professional, and happy individual who was a credit to his team and is sadly missed by all at Colas Rail UK and across the industry.

Our Colas Rail team were joined by Nathan’s family, including wife, Lucy, daughters Emily & Alice, parents Derek & Kath and sister Lauren along with many family members and colleagues.

Pictured: Nathan’s wife, Lucy, daughters Emily & Alice and father, Derek unveiled the nameplate witnessed by Colas Rail UK’s Damian Fitchett
Image credit: Alex Hall/Rail Infrastructure Magazine

Speaking about Nathan and the event, Damian Fitchett, Assistant Regional Operations Manager said “Although Nathan had only been with Colas Rail for a short time, he made many friends and was an integral part of the Northwest regional team as well as being respected and liked by all who knew him.

“We would like to thank Ribble Steam Railway and Museum for facilitating the day with the use of their facilities and providing 2 BRMK1 carriages for a buffet lunch. All their volunteering staff were fabulous in helping to organise the day.”

First published: 17th June 2024

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