A charity founder who was blinded at the age of 10 after being shot at by a British soldier has described his experience at Belfast’s Grand Central Station as “disgraceful” after asking for assistance.
Richard Moore, who was a schoolboy in Derry when he was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a British soldier in 1972, spoke out following his visit to the £340m transport hub on Thursday.
He had arrived on an afternoon train from Derry when he says he was “harshly” told that no special assistance would be available and he would have to make his own way to get a taxi outside the station.
Mr Moore founded the Children in Crossfire charity in 1996, which helps children facing poverty and war in conflict zones around the world.
In 2006, the campaigner met the soldier who fired the rubber bullet that left him blind, Charles Inness, and famously forgave him for his actions.
The pair have maintained a friendship, and in 2020 Mr Moore revealed Mr Inness had apologised for what happened.
The Derry man’s incredible act of forgiveness inspired the Dalai Lama, who he first met in 2000, and the spiritual leader has described Mr Moore as “my hero”. A mural depicting the pair meeting was unveiled in Derry in 2020.
Speaking of his experience at Grand Central Station, he said: “When we arrived, a conductor came down to me and took me off the train as I was hoping to get some help in getting outside and into a taxi.
“He took me to a woman but when I told her my request she told me no-one would be available to do that.
“I asked why no-one is available, and she told me ‘all of our staff are doing other things, they have other jobs to do’.
“When I asked about special assistance, she harshly told me they don’t have it, and that it was something I should have organised myself.”
- British soldier who shot and blinded Richard Moore as a schoolboy asks him to deliver eulogy at his funeralOpens in new window
- John Hume’s sons announce marathon cycle for Children in Crossfire charityOpens in new window
- New mural created in honour of Derry man Richard MooreOpens in new window
- Braille translation added to legendary Free Derry WallOpens in new window
Another staff member was called and agreed to walk Richard to the front door of the station.
“I’ve had awful experiences with Translink in the past, and have actually had meetings with them about it.
“As a result, they promised me the sun, moon and stars, but I feel really let down over what happened, particularly as this is in a brand new transport hub, so you’d think special assistance for passengers would have been taken into consideration.”
He added: “I don’t use a white stick and I don’t have a guide dog, so it’s not always immediately obvious that I need assistance, but I think what happened is a disgrace, as all I wanted was help a short distance to a taxi, and would urge Translink to do better for those who might need help.”
A Translink spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to hear that Richard did not get the user experience he expected. We have launched a full investigation, which includes a review of CCTV.
“Our staff are trained to deal with all passengers in a friendly, helpful and professional manner at all times and indeed in recent independent research our passengers rated staff helpfulness at 96%.
“Special Sighted Guidance training has also been given to key staff at Grand Central Station to empower them to provide assistance to people with accessibility needs.
“The member of safety critical rail staff first approached by this passenger was required to stay on the platforms to ensure continued safe operation of trains. A Duty Lead, with the appropriate training, was alerted and came to assist Richard, providing guidance from the railway area to Durham Street where he was able to get a taxi.”
They added: “We are committed to making services inclusive and accessible to everyone and actively work with groups including IMTAC, Royal Institute of Blind People Northern Ireland and Guide Dogs NI to help us to do this.”
