The Rail Safe Friendly Programme (RSF), delivered by Learn Live UK, has released a new and deeply moving video, “Interview with Liz Ballantyne”, highlighting the vital importance of rail safety education for children and families.
In this powerful short film, Liz Ballantyne shares her personal story and her ongoing mission to prevent further tragedies on the railways following the death of her son, Harrison, in 2017. Harrison was just 11 years old when he was electrocuted after coming into contact with overhead power lines at Daventry Depot. Liz’s advocacy has since become the driving force behind the creation of the Rail Safe Friendly programme, which now reaches thousands of schools across the UK.
Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live UK and Rail Safe Friendly said:- “The launch of this video marks an important moment in the journey of Rail Safe Friendly.
Liz’s courage in sharing her story continues to inspire our work every single day. Her honesty and determination remind us why education must always come before tragedy. Our mission is simple; to make sure no other family has to experience what Liz and her family went through.
Our mission is to reach every school in the country by the end of 2027 so all children understand about rail safety. Through collaboration between schools, parents, and rail partners, we can make rail safety part of everyday learning, just like road safety and internet safety. Every conversation started by this video could be one that saves a life in the future.”
Liz Ballantyne, Rail Safety Campaigner who features in the film said:-
“Talking about what happened to Harrison will never be easy, but it’s something I know I need to keep doing.
If sharing our story means that even one young person stops to think before taking a risk near the railway, then it’s worth it. No family should ever have to experience the loss and pain that we live with every day.
The Rail Safe Friendly programme gives schools and parents the tools to make a real difference and starts conversations that save lives. I’m so grateful to everyone in the rail industry and in education who supports this programme and helps us keep this message alive for future generations.”
The railway can appear safe and familiar — but its dangers are often hidden. Overhead power lines, the speed and silence of trains and restricted access areas pose life-threatening risks to anyone who doesn’t understand them.
This new video aims to bridge that knowledge gap by helping children and parents talk openly about railway safety and encouraging schools and rail partners to make safety education part of their core activities.
For more information about the Rail Safe Friendly visit https://railsafefriendly.com
