Steam locomotive makes first journey in memory of Plymouth boy

A steam locomotive, which has been restored in memory of a boy from Plymstock, has made its maiden voyage.

The ‘Lord Oliver Brown’ locomotive at the Plym Valley Railway made its first journey in 17 years on Sunday, on what would have been Oliver Brown’s 17th birthday.

Oliver died aged 11 from Myelodysplastic Syndrome which affects only four in a million children worldwide.

Hundreds of people gathered at the station to wave the train off on its first journey.

The 1959 engine was painted in Oliver’s favourite colour – hot pink – and the shades of green represent Children’s Hospice South West, where he was looked after before he died.

Oliver’s mum, Nicky Brown, said: “I’m so incredibly proud, it’s wonderful to see everybody come together to celebrate Children’s Hospice South West, who continue to take care of us as a family.

“Just looking at the train epitomises Oliver, it’s so bright and colourful and it just makes you smile – that’s what Oliver did every day of his life.

“He would be in his element today and I’m just so proud that we can wish him happy birthday in such a remarkable way,” she added.

Oliver’s brother Ben, who helped with the restoration of the engine, said: “It’s exciting to have everyone here – it’s been a big project for a long time now and hopefully we can bring awareness not just to our story, but to other families and help them out.

“Oliver loved pink, he loved trains – every time he got out of the hospital the first thing he’d do would be to go to West Hoe and get on the Gus Honeybun trains.

“It’s amazing, such a nice atmosphere – seeing other people having fun and enjoying the train, it’s a great day.”

Annabel Roberts from Children’s Hospice South West said the train was a fantastic way to raise awareness of the work the charity does.

“The amount of effort that has gone into this train is absolutely astonishing.

“It’s such a beautiful spectacle, such a beautiful thing and I think it will appeal to loads of people who will be entranced by this locomotive – it’s unique.”

She added: “We’re so fortunate to have them [Oliver’s family] as fantastic champions for our charity and the services we provide.”