If you were to name yourself after a London station, which would it be?

‘Victoria’ would be the subtle option, while ‘St Pancras’ might raise more eyebrows.

One rail worker went for a name somewhere between the two, and added Marylebone to her name by deed poll.

It’s actually quite a pretty name – very similar to Mary – and Rehana Marylebone Khawaja liked it so much she would even have made it her first name, if her children hadn’t objected.

The Chiltern Railways employee started her career with the company in a ticket office and has since worked a variety of roles including dispatcher, station supervisor and station manager.

She now works across the network as a safeguarding and security manager, but still keeps her favourite station in her heart (and, soon, her passport and driving licence?)

With Marylebone station celebrating its 125th birthday, she made the change as she also approaches her own 20th anniversary with Chiltern.

Explaining why she changed her name, she said: ‘The station itself is not big. But it’s got a soul. The more I explored it over my time here, the more I was falling in love with it. It really does feel like a home away from home to me.

‘We know that things go wrong sometimes, and people can get delayed. But everybody there works so hard with a smile on their face. It’s got a personal touch. It’s warm and welcoming. Not every London station is like that.

‘I love the building, I love the people, and I love the history of the station. When I got to manage the station, I felt like I was flying. I still feel like that when I’m there now. It’s such a huge part of my life, and now I’ll carry it with me officially, which is really exciting.’

As part of the 125th birthday celebrations, a train was also named last Friday, and new contemporary art installations have been unveiled at the Harewood Avenue entrance of the station.  

Vanessa Russell, HR Director at Chiltern Railways, said: ‘Working in HR, we don’t often get requests that take us by surprise, but this is a first for me and my team as we change Rehana’s middle name to Marylebone.

‘I think it’s a testament to the importance of the station and the community feel and importance it has. Compared to other London stations, Marylebone is small but mighty. It has a rich history, and I’m touched that the station has had such a tangible impact on Rehana’s life.

‘Rehana has worked at Chiltern for nearly twenty years, and during that time, has done her utmost to deliver for our customers. Her pride in the station is utterly heart-warming.’

As if the name change wasn’t enough, Rehana and her colleague Laura are also doing a charity walk between all 27 stations between London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street, raising money for Safeline and The Railway Children charities. Well-wishers can donate by clicking here.

Source:
courtesy of METRO

by Jen Mills

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