Pandemic heroes from Cornwall honoured for 'selfless support of others' during lockdown
Fundraiser Kieron Griffin and foodbank champion Don Gardner's names are now etched on the side of a train
Last updated 22nd Aug 2021
A teenage fundraiser and a foodbank champion from Cornwall now have their own train.
Don Gardner MBE was honoured by Great Western Railway for selflessly helping others at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alongside him was 19-year-old Kieron Griffin from St Newlyn East near Newquay, who raised thousands of pounds to support Cornwall's main hospital during lockdown.
They were both chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars and now their names are etched on one of GWR's high-speed trains.
Kieron's Story
Kieron has a rare genetic condition called Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome which affects him in many ways.
He is partially sighted, has epilepsy, scoliosis and low muscle tone among other issues.
But that didn’t stop him taking a leaf out of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s book by walking 10 laps of his garden every day in support of the Royal Cornwall Hospital; he raised almost six thousand pounds.
Mum Marie told us: "Actually Kieron started doing the walking and then I saw that Captain Tom was raising money and he was doing walking so I thought why don't we raise money for the Royal Cornwall. I asked Kieron and he was really happy about it. Captain Tom's got a train and now Kieron's going to have train!"
Kieron had to shield during lockdown and Marie added: "Kieron battles on a daily basis with obstacles but this did not stop him doing his walking. He truly has been an inspiration to many who know him and helped them to get through lockdown".
Don's Story
Don has dedicated more than 11 years to the Transformation CPR foodbank in Camborne and captured the nation’s hearts during an emotional appearance on BBC2’s Cornwall with Simon Reeve last year.
Don set up and ran the foodbank with his wife Jenifer, who died suddenly in August last year.
He was interviewed about the cause the day before his wife’s funeral and donations of about £280,000 poured in when the show aired in November – securing the charity enough funding for four years.
After finding out he’d been named a BBC Make a Difference Superstar, Don dedicated the honour to his late wife of 53 years.
Speaking on BBC Radio Cornwall about operating the foodbank during the pandemic, he said: “My cup was always half full, so if there was a challenge we were going to meet it".
Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “Kieron Griffin’s fundraising efforts during the pandemic are incredible by any standard, but when taking into account the challenges he faces in his day-to-day life, are simply astonishing.
“I could not think of a more worthy recipient of having a train named after him".
Camborne & Redruth MP George Eustice said: “It is great to see Don recognised in this most iconic way. Don has been at the heart of our community raising help and awareness for those in need. I am pleased to see that his goodwill will now reach even further than Cornwall".
Great Western Railway Regional Station Manager West Mark Chorley said: "Kieron and Don went to incredible lengths to support their communities and we’re thrilled to add their names to the side of an Intercity Express Train.
“The GWR has a long and proud history of naming trains after Great Westerners – past and present heroes from across our network – and it’s a real treat to add these two community heroes to that list".