First Bus reveals ‘community heroes’ to have buses named in their honour
- Two ‘heroes’ nominated by local residents are the first to be revealed
First Bus has begun to reveal ‘community heroes’ from across the city.
The bus operator has been running a campaign asking local people to nominate the individuals and organisations they believe deserve recognition for the efforts they make to contribute to life of their communities.
The first two ‘heroes’, Anne Stamp and John McGall, were announced on YO1 Radio. Buses from the First Bus all-electric fleet have been named in their honour and will travel throughout York.
John Roxburgh, Head of Operations for First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, said: “First York is serving communities across the city and we understand the important role individuals and groups also play in supporting their local area.
“We wanted to help celebrate the people and organisations who bring communities to life and provide valuable services and that’s why we launched this bus naming campaign. It’s been great to hear from local residents about who they believe should be recognised for the contribution they make to the community.”
Anne is Services Manager at The Snappy Trust, which provides play and excursions for children with disabilities and has supported her community for almost 30 years,
John McGall, who runs the I Am Reusable foodbank, said: “I can’t do all the work I do without my volunteers, friends, family, and the people who support us.
"It’s not just me – this should be dedicated to everyone. Thank you all so much.”
YO1 Radio presenter, Chris Marsden revealed the two names in his Drive Home Show.
The radio station’s Managing Director, Wayne Chadwick, said: “This is a truly special gesture on the part of First Bus to recognise those making a real difference in our community.
“The two winners were very worthy recipients and we’ve been delighted to work with the team from First Bus throughout the competition.”
In addition to the foodbank and Snappy Trust, First Bus received nominations from local people highlighting work including homeless support, childcare, hospice care and digital and online access.
“Today, we’re revealing the first two people whose names will now appear on our electric buses and be seen on their local routes and throughout York. There will be more community heroes announced in the coming weeks,” added John Roxburgh.
“YO1 Radio has been a fabulous partner in getting the message into communities and encouraging local people to nominate their champions.”
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