Hero railway worker who saved 29 lives reveals the warning signs a passenger is at risk of suicide – after being named in the King’s New Year’s Honors List

An exceptional railway worker who saved 29 lives has revealed the best signs to identify a vulnerable passenger.

Rizwan Javed, 33, who works for the MTR Elizabeth Line at Paddington station, London, will be awarded an MBE after being recognized for his benevolent efforts in the King’s New Years Honors List.

Speaking to This Morning presenters Josie Gibson and Rylan Clark on ITV today, the Samaritan-trained railway worker, who admitted he found his MBE title ‘hard to swallow’, discussed the warning signs that a passenger needs help.

Talking to the person at risk is the first step. ‘It’s about involvement and wanting to do it with an open heart. Open a conversation and have a chat, building that person’s trust I think is the most important thing,” Rizwan said.

Facial expressions, the type of clothes people wear depending on the weather conditions, missing a train and asking for non-stop services are all indications that someone needs help, according to Rizwan.

Rizwan, while happy with his MBE, has refused to surrender to the achievement and instead plans to use it for the greater good.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to continue spreading awareness on a larger scale,” he said. ‘I think it is a great achievement for the railway and all my colleagues and the great work they do every day.’

Rizwan recalled one of the greatest moments of his career: when a passenger returned to his workplace to thank him for saving her life.

‘They ran to me and gave me a hug. She said if it wasn’t for me, she wouldn’t be here, and that melted my heart. It’s a feeling you can’t describe,” he said.

Despite his enormous contribution to the community, the railway worker said every passenger rescued contributed equally to his life.

He said: “A lot of people say, ‘You’ve helped so many people,’ but they’ve also helped me so much, they’ve developed me as an individual and I’ve learned so much along the way. ‘

‘Thanks to those people I am who I am today.’

“I’m just trying to do my best to make a difference in this world,” Rizwan added.

The 33-year-old from London hopes to raise awareness and encourage individuals to talk openly about mental health issues

Speaking to Rylan Clark (far left) and Josie Gibson (left), Rizwan said facial expressions, the type of clothes people wear according to the weather conditions, missing a train and asking for non-stop services are all signs of a person needs help

Rizwan’s journey was inspired by the Asian community and the stigma individuals within it often harbor against mental health issues.

He wants to encourage all people, regardless of their background, to speak openly about their problems.

“Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, and it’s important that we talk about it, and talking about it determines how you end up in life,” he said.

‘Mental health is not talked about openly or much within the Asian community, and I want to change that.’

Now Rizwan aims to recruit more people to his crusade. “I am only one person, but if other people join me on this journey, we can make the world a better place,” he said.

The inspiring 33-year-old concluded with his best advice when helping a vulnerable person: ‘Just be open, even if you have to reach out to a stranger.

“If you fear judgment, talk to a stranger, don’t bottle it up… people will be inspired by your journey.”

The railroad worker said he was motivated to change the stigma within the Asian community regarding mental health care

It comes after parents who turned fears of losing their daughters into campaigns for justice were given a place of honor at today’s New Year celebrations.

Diana Parkes said it was ‘bittersweet’ to be awarded a CBE for her tireless work since daughter Joanna Simpson was murdered by an abusive ex-partner.

She is joined on the roll of honor by Ian Russell, who said his 14-year-old daughter Molly would be “very proud” of her legacy. He was awarded an MBE for his campaign for online safety after her suicide.

The list is dominated by showbusiness names including legendary singer Shirley Bassey, bonkbuster author Jilly Cooper and Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis.

But some other awards may raise eyebrows, including knighthoods for a convicted fraudster and for an outspoken Covid scientist who pushed for tougher lockdowns. The theme of the awards was to highlight ‘selfless service to others’, with an emphasis on generosity to those in need.

Rishi Sunak said: ‘The New Year Honors List recognizes the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the greatest commitment to selflessness and compassion.

‘To all the winners: you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all.’