16 years ago today, my son was in London, visiting a friend. He was due to return home to Exeter on the 1735 ex-Paddington.
I was in charge of our local Scout Group's Fireworks display and talking to a local press reporter when my phone rang. I took the call - it was my son.............. "I thought I'd better ring you to say I am in a field, the train has crashed, but I am alright."
The following morning, his blood stained face was plastered all over the papers and national television channels.
I am pleased to say, he was one of the lucky ones at Ufton Nervet that evening.
My thoughts go out to the relatives of Driver Stan Martin and the others that perished that evening.