Network Rail has made a dream come true for a young leukaemia survivor from Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Train enthusiast Arli Ramsden only wanted one thing for his birthday, which was to spend a few hours watching trains in the city. On his 13th birthday yesterday, Friday, 31st July, his dream came true thanks to Network Rail, which gave him an unforgettable birthday celebration at Leeds station.

Network Rail and its industry partners had arranged a surprise experience for Arli by taking Arli behind the scenes tour at Leeds station, letting him have a go on LNER’s driver simulator, stepping inside the driver’s cabs of Northern and LNER trains, and visiting the signalling control room. At the end of his tour, Arli celebrated with cake in Leeds station’s Safe Hub, a dedicated quiet space, before he spent more time watching trains.

Arli’s Grandmother, Ann Ramsden, runs the Rosalie Ryrie Foundation domestic abuse charity, and commented that Arli has never been able to play games such as football or take part in sports days. All he wanted for his birthday was to visit Leeds station and watch the trains.

Arli was two when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, which required three years of treatment that seriously affected his physical ability for lengthy periods. Although still only a small child, he then needed to use a frame as he learned to walk for the second time. Whilst he was unable to move around, Arli developed a passion for trains. His Grandmother, Ann Ramsden, converted an art desk into a tabletop train set. Arli was able to ring the “end of treatment” bell in hospital when he was still only six, but still has limited mobility and has been diagnosed with autism.

Arli explained that he is fascinated by trains, as he likes the noise and the speed. He thanked everyone who organised his birthday, but couldn’t pick his favourite part because all of it was.

Last year, Hull Trains treated children from the city to a journey on one of its trains as a prelude to the local derby between Rugby Super League sides Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers, and in April this year, the Weardale Railway in County Durham gave Bob Young OBE, Honorary President of Newcastle United a special treat for his 80th birthday by letting him take the controls of a historic Sentinel locomotive.

“When we heard that Arli’s birthday wish was simply to spend time here watching trains, we knew we wanted to do something extra special for him. We’re pleased we could play a part in creating such happy memories for him. Arli’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the railway is remarkable, and it was fantastic to see how much he enjoyed meeting colleagues and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the station and railway operate. Everyone was proud to be involved, and we wish Arli a very happy 13th birthday.”

Steve Sherburn, Shift Station Manager, Leeds station