Marilyn Ehrman - Train Driver

Maz is a train driver for GWR, defying conventional gender roles. Here is her story.

“I arrived in the UK in 2002 I got a job in a factory which was great fun and paid well at the time, but I wanted more. My sister Reene was working on the railway as a Customer Host and got me a job too. This is when I started with the railway. I absolutely loved it from the start; the atmosphere, the people, the way the train would feel whilst moving, the beautiful landscape, all times of day. I thought it was thrilling and thought, “wow, I could be a train driver”.

I met the father of my children on the trains, left London and the railway and moved to Penzance. When I first applied for the role of train driver I was pregnant. It was 2010 and it was challenging for women to qualify, let alone whilst being pregnant. I didn’t let it phase me. I went through all the assessments and passed, but unfortunately was unsuccessful at that time. Still I didn’t give up. I had my baby boy and tried again for the role but no joy. I was then diagnosed with my first breast cancer when my second son hadn’t even turned 1 year old. It was 2014, and it was a new challenge.

I endured chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the dream was still there and I pushed on. I didn’t give up... interview after interview. However after 5 years the earlier assessment became void so I had to start again. I passed my assessments and applied yet again, this would be my third time. It was a no. I was then diagnosed with my second breast cancer. Take two.

I went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy again, and battled on through. Still this didn’t beat me down and I went for the role of train driver. By that point I knew inside my heart and soul nothing absolutely nothing would stop me from achieving my goal… you become some sort of warrior and learn to fight with absolutely everything you’ve got to give, basically you become invincible and there is nothing you can’t achieve. I finally achieved my goal in May 2023, and I absolutely love my job. Don’t give up, keeping on fighting and enjoy life to the fullest.”

1.   What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Finally passing out as a qualified train driver. I first applied for the job back in 2010. It’s not an easy process and I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way but I wouldn’t give up and if I could battle breast cancer twice and survive there was a good chance I’d be able to achieve my dream.

2.   What motivates you to do what you do?

Life and my family. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at all that I do so I am living everyday to the fullest. I am an extremely positive person and always look for the good in all situations, I will never give up. 

3.     What do you owe your mother?
It’s thanks to my mom that I am the person I am today. She is the reason I am ME. Growing up isn’t easy for anyone but I can honestly say she is the strongest person I know and will stop at nothing to protect her family. 

4.   Which women inspire you and why?

Women all over the world and their situations; staying strong, protecting, mothering, working. It’s all hard work. Women juggle a lot and should be praised. It’s definitely not easy, and when you hit the menopause, well that’s a whole different story…

5.   What are you reading?

A Better Normal… your guide to rediscovering intimacy after cancer by Tess Devèze. This is definitely needed as nobody wants to talk about it after treatment. 

6.   What gender barriers have you had to hurdle?

When I first went for the trainee train driver role back in 2010, you were lucky if you passed the interview stage as they didn’t easily employ women as drivers. You’d be knocked back constantly. You have to learn to be strong and resilient, fight for your right and believe in yourself... it will happen.

7.   How can the world be made a better place for women?

Women should be praised and told how special they are from a young age, taught that they should not tolerate violent behaviour towards them. Support one another and encourage each other to believe that they deserve whatever they set out to achieve in life.

8.   Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day would be, sun shining, walking along a coastal path, stopping for a wild swim and relaxing. No rush to get back home.

9.   We've noticed there really aren't many (if any) statues of women around Cornwall - who would you like to see remembered?

I cannot think of anyone in particular. If anything I would have a statue made of something/someone that would represent hope, faith and belief that you could achieve and survive anything thrown at you on an everyday basis. 

10. Give us a tip?

Tomorrow is another day!