Teenage fundraiser and Cornish foodbank champion have GWR train named in their honour

Kieron, 19, from St Newlyn East near Newquay, and Don, from Camborne, were chosen as BBC Make a Difference Superstars for selflessly helping others at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kieron has a rare genetic condition called Cardio Facio Cutaneous 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 ten laps of his garden every day in support of the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Don has made a huge difference to the people of Camborne since getting involved with the local foodbank – and that was never more prevalent than during the pandemic.  

The pair were selected as BBC Make a Difference Superstars by judges following a link-up between the BBC and GWR to celebrate those people going above and beyond to help others in their communities.

Now their names feature on a high-speed Intercity Express Train as GWR continues to honour BBC Make a Difference Superstars from nine regions across the network.

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, and I would like to thank GWR and the listeners of BBC Radio Cornwall for making this happen.”

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.

“It was a privilege to partner with the BBC Make a Difference campaign and the stories which featured on BBC local radio were truly overwhelming.”

Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England Chris Burns said: 

“We have been amazed by the response of many listeners to our Make a Difference campaign on Local BBC Radio, as listeners have been helping each other out throughout the pandemic. 

“It has been humbling to learn about the kind-hearted efforts of so many in our communities and Kieron and Don are great examples to the rest of us. Congratulations to them and to the team at BBC Radio Cornwall.”

KIERON GRIFFIN

Kieron had to shield during lockdown because of his genetic disability but sponsored walks of his garden 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. 

His mum Marie nominated him for the award and said:

“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 GARDNER MBE

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.”

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 

Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us 

GWR has been providing rail services throughout the pandemic and has worked to ensure that these are as safe as possible, including enhanced cleaning regimes. This work continues as it starts to welcome more people back to the railway.

The train operator has also provided extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance.

Travelling by train is low risk as carriages are well ventilated with air regularly refreshed either by air-conditioning systems, or by doors and windows being opened.

GWR’s enhanced cleaning regime includes:

• A 24% increase in cleaning hours every week since March 2020
• Sanitising (fogging) of 1,120 vehicles every 4 weeks
• Carrying out 2,150 on board surface tests (ATP) every four weeks, to ensure the effectiveness of our cleaning
• 272 train cleaning processes reviewed, and many adapted
• Hand sanitising facilities at key stations across its network.