Jonno, Jessica, Josh.  Photos courtesy of Jessica Richardson

22 family and friends of Nigel Gooch (deceased), including his three children and their partners, three grandchildren, his sister, two nephews and friends headed out on Saturday from Penrith for a nostalgic and poignant journey behind heritage locomotive 3801.

Daughter Jessica Richardson said, “We took my dad’s ashes with us, as this was his favourite locomotive. He was named after the Sir Nigel Gresley locomotive and had the 3801 tattooed on him.

“Upon seeing his tattoo while 3801 was being refurbished, a generous staff member at Thirlmere let Dad in to have a look and the accompanying photo shows how happy he was that day.

“(It was) An emotional day, leaving dad’s ashes in the firebox today, but it made it all the more special.

“A huge thank you to the wonderful crew who allowed our Dad to be with the 3801 forever.”