Most railway workers spend their days making sure trains keep moving.
Kamaldeep “Kam” Wallis decided to move one herself.
The c2c Railway Safeguarding and Security Manager successfully pulled a 14-tonne steam train and carriages uphill in an extraordinary display of strength, per c2c.
Wallis completed the challenge at the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway in Kent on September 16, raising £1,400 for the Lady McAdden breast cancer charity in the process.
And while pulling a train might sound like the sort of challenge requiring years of specialist preparation, Wallis only began Strongwoman training in July 2024.
Later that year, she was named the second Strongest Female Officer and has since picked up first and second-place finishes in several competitions.
She is also a world-record holder in powerlifting with the International All-Round Weightlifting Association.
For her latest challenge, however, the weights were swapped for something considerably larger.
Wallis completed several practice pulls at the railway before successfully hauling the 14-tonne steam train and carriages uphill.
“I’m incredibly proud to have completed this challenge for such an important cause. Pulling the 14 tonne train was a huge test, but the support I received kept me going.
“This was about women supporting women, pushing boundaries and raising vital funds to help people affected by breast cancer. Thank you to everyone who donated, encouraged me and helped make the day possible.”
The feat formed part of Lady McAdden’s “50 People, 50 Incredible Acts” campaign, marking the Essex-based charity’s 50th anniversary.
The campaign brings together 50 people taking on 50 challenges to raise money and awareness for the organisation, which provides support, education and advice to people before, during and after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Lady McAdden CEO Esther Taylor said: “We are incredibly grateful to Kam for taking on such an ambitious challenge and raising vital funds for Lady McAdden. Completing a train pull is a remarkable achievement, and her determination will help us continue providing breast cancer education and support services. We would also like to thank everyone who supported Kam and donated to her fundraiser.”
Pulling trains isn’t Wallis’ only physically demanding challenge outside work.
She has previously climbed Ben Nevis and cycled 91 miles for meningitis awareness, as well as taking part in Battle Cancer events in London and fundraising for stroke awareness in memory of her cousin, who died following a stroke.
Her day job also comes with an extensive background on Britain’s railways.
Wallis joined c2c’s Revenue Protection and Security team in September 2025 after spending almost 21 years with the British Transport Police.
Just over two years after first taking up strongwoman training, she can now add pulling an entire steam train uphill to the list.
Featured image credit: c2c / Instagram
