OLYMPIAN Fatima Whitbread MBE joined c2c staff and customers at a celebratory event marking 30 years of rail operations at Chafford Hundred station. 

To mark the anniversary, Ms Whitbread and c2c's Interim Director of HR and Communications, Abu Siddeeq, unveiled the original station plaque, now in pride of place at the front of the station building, and surprised customers with birthday cupcakes, made by local baker, Occasions Cake Studio.   

The commemorative plaque, which had been removed during renovation works, was restored and reinstalled to honour the special anniversary and is now permanently displayed at the front of the station. 

The c2c team was delighted when philanthropist Ms Whitbread accepted the invitation to join Chafford Hundred's birthday event, as she opened the station in 1995.   

Ms Whitbread, who spent her early life in children's homes after being abandoned as a baby before going on to break the Javelin World Record, has a deep childhood connection with Thurrock and last year was awarded the Freedom of the Borough, together with her stepmum Margaret.  The honour was reconfirmed last week and is expected to be officially bestowed at a ceremony in July.

At Chafford Hundred's birthday event she said: "I've had an amazing time coming back here today; it's like being in a time warp!

"There's an incredible difference between today and 30 years ago; back then it was a very sparsely developed area so to see that the station and local area have grown so much, achieving that vision of building a community is really special.

"The station is pivotal to the community so I'm truly proud to be back here today with the c2c team and feel really privileged to have unveiled the original plaque for all to see."

Ms Whitbread shared her passion and stories from her time growing up in the borough with stakeholders and customers in attendance, as well as anecdotes from her incredible sporting career.

She also offered an insight into her campaign to support children and young people, 'Fatima's UK Campaign' which partners with organisations to promote collaboration and better outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.

Borough MP Jen Craft also attended and said: "It was a pleasure to join c2c's birthday celebrations at Chafford Hundred station. For 30 years the station has been a valued transport hub locally and a key part of the c2c network, connecting our area to the wider Essex region.

"As a frequent user of the c2c line, it was really good to mark this occasion and the important role of the station and its staff in our community," she added.

Mr Siddeeq added: "For a long time, this was my family's local station, so it means a lot to me both personally and professionally that this occasion has been marked – it will always be part of local history.

"Thank you to our colleagues who work so hard to keep this station going for our customers, we look forward to the next three decades of serving our community in Thurrock."