S4 Ep1: Pam Warren, the rail crash survivor whose life changed forever

To mark the 70th anniversary of Women of the Year, in this series we’re talking to some of the extraordinary ordinary women whose exceptional achievements, courage and legacy (or, indeed, all three) have been recognised with special awards at the event over the decades. They talk about why they were chosen as award winners, recall their memories of the day and share what’s happened in their lives since then. 

Our first guest is also one of our earliest award winners. Pam Warren became known as The Woman in the Mask when, as the worst affected victim of the catastrophic Paddington train crash exactly 25 years ago, she had to wear a plastic mask to protect her badly burnt face as it slowly healed. In spite of the huge challenges she faced in recovering physically and mentally from her appalling injuries, Pam became an outspoken campaigner for improved passenger safety and we presented her with our Women of the Year Award in 2001 in recognition of her remarkable bravery and determination. 

Pam talks about learning to live with PTSD, how the crash changed her life for the better, why it’s important she doesn’t get bored, and the famous reporter she met at the lunch and how they became friends.