KCOM calls for a dozen more van-tastic names
They are a familiar sight winding their way through the streets of Hull and East Yorkshire – emblazoned with names honouring some of the city most famous sons, daughters and landmarks.
We've revealed the names of 12 more Hull heroes whose names will feature on the side of our vans.
The dozen new names, which have been nominated by the public, include former Home Secretary Alan Johnson, brain injury campaigner Paul Spence, statuesque entertainer Andy Train and inspirational tot Zoe Chambers - whose battle against heart disease encouraged thousands to join the organ donor register.
Zoe, who was born in 2005 with a rare congenital heart disease, underwent a heart transplant in 2007 which gave her an extra year of quality life with her family.
The toddler’s courageous story has already inspired 1.3 million people to add their names to the organ donor list – with more still joining every year in her memory.
Zoe Chambers mum, Julie Chambers posing alongside her KCOM van
Mum Julie Chambers said she hoped having Zoe’s name on a van would help keep her memory and the campaign for organ donation in the public eye.
She said: “It’s ten years this year since Zoe died so it’s a nice tribute to her and the fact it is in our home city makes it even more special.
“Anything that makes people think about adding their name to the organ donor list has to be a good thing. Hopefully people will see her name and it will encourage them to look her up, find out who she was and then be convinced to join the list. It only takes two minutes. I’d like to thank everyone who nominated her.”
Other additions to the KCOM van roll of honour include city centre tour guide Paul Schofield, Hull regeneration champion Jon Pywell OBE, nightlife supremo Dave Mays, teenage health campaigner Connor Lynes and veterans charity Hull 4 Heroes.
The KCOM Stadium van
For rugby and football fans, vans have also been named after both the KCOM Stadium and Craven Park.
Paul Matson, founder of Hull 4 Heroes, said: “I’m absolutely made up that people have nominated us to go on a van. It’s great that people appreciate what we do and thought us worth a vote. It’s not every day you get to say your name’s on the side of a van!
Paul Matson, founder of Hull 4 Heroes stood with his KCOM van
“But it’s definitely a badge of honour and it’s a great way to get our name and what we do out on the streets.”
Cathy Philips, KCOM’s chief marketing officer, said: “We’re delighted to be naming another 12 vans after people and places that have made a real impact on Hull and contributed significantly to the quality of life in the city.
“We needed another 12 names because we’re expanding our fleet of vehicles. Our engineers will soon be taking to the highways and byways of East Yorkshire proudly bearing the names of our local heroes.
“We’ve had many brilliant nominations once again from the public who have suggested some really deserving people worthy of recognition. We hope all the people out there playing van bingo will enjoy spotting the new additions to our fleet.”
The Gold Man, aka Andy Train with number 99
The 12 new vans follow last year’s successful scheme to name nearly a hundred KCOM vehicles after local luminaries as part of the City of Culture celebrations.
The new nominees will now join the local legends honoured in 2017 including the “Bee Lady” Jean Bishop, Lord Prescott, William Wilberforce and Clive Sullivan.
The full list of the 12 new KCOM van names is: Zoe Chambers, Paul Spence, Jon Pywell OBE, Paul Schofield, KCOM Stadium, Craven Park, Connor Lynes, Hull 4 Heroes, Dave Mays, The Gold Man, Alan Johnson and the Hull 2017 volunteers.
To see the full list of KCOM’s new van names – or to download the full van bingo grid visit www.kcomhome.com/campaigns/hull2017vans/competition/