Two Covid community heroes from Cornwall to get names on side of train
A teenage fundraising hero and a foodbank champion have been chosen
Last updated 17th Sep 2020
Two community heroes from Cornwall who selflessly helped others during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic are to have their names featured on the side of a Great Western Railway train.
Teenage fundraising hero Kieron Griffin and foodbank champion Don Gardner have been chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars.
The pair were selected by judges in a campaign to celebrate those community heroes who have been going above and beyond during the pandemic.
Now plans are being made for their names to be added to either end of a high-speed Intercity Express Train.
Teen hero: Kieron Griffin
Kieron is partially sighted, autistic, has epilepsy, low muscle tone and scoliosis amongst other health issues. But this did not stop him taking a leaf out of Captain Sir Tom Moore’s book by walking ten laps of his garden every day.
The teenager from St Newlyn East, near Newquay, had to shield during lockdown because of his genetic disability but the sponsored walks saw him raise £5,135 for the Covid-19 fund and Child Health at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.
He raised a further £585 for the Acute Liaison Nurses at RCH on his 18th birthday, proving himself to be a true inspiration and helping those around him through lockdown.
Making a difference: Don Gardner
Don has made a huge difference to the people of Camborne since getting involved with the local foodbank, particularly during the current pandemic.
He has helped to ensure families receive food supplies and that children entitled to free hot meals continued to receive them during the school holidays.
He is described as a ‘lovely, genuine, caring person’.
“I have been blown away by the efforts of all the Covid-19 heroes during the course of the pandemic. Their dedication and compassion has been truly heart-warming, and made a huge difference in their communities.
“These trains will be a lasting reminder of all those who have gone the extra mile to keep this country going.”
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris