Tracey, 51, who lives in Gillingham, joined British Rail in 1989, meaning she’s been advising passengers on their journeys for 34 years – 28 of which have been at Rainham station.
Kieron Clarke, 31, who lives in Newington, Swale, has never known his mum to work anywhere else so after trying various jobs in warehouses and shops, it was an easy decision for him to join the company eight years ago.
A supervisor at Rochester station, Kieron explained: “I was brought up as a ‘railway child’ so I already knew Southeastern would be a great place to work. I know most of mum’s colleagues and she’s obviously happy here as she’s been with the company so long.”
Although Tracey will be working on Mother’s Day, Kieron will be popping round to give his mum some flowers, although she insists she doesn’t want chocolates as she likes them too much.
Tracey said: “I’ve always enjoyed helping people which is why I enjoy my role so much. You get to see the same faces day after day and passengers almost become friends. New members of staff will often come and spend a couple of days with me to learn the job and I also get calls from other colleagues asking for advice. I’m so pleased Kieron decided to join Southeastern as it really does feel like a family.”
Last year, Tracey was fitted with a pacemaker after having up to 30 episodes a day where she felt as if she was going to pass out. She had to have four months off sick, but received weekly calls from her manager which, she says, “made a scary time a little easier”.
She added: “Apparently I’m a medical marvel! I ended up in A&E a year ago and I’m waiting for an operation at the moment but until then, I have the perfect job helping our passengers on their journeys.”
Tracey also met her partner when he was working at Rainham station five years ago, making the railway a real family affair.
