Tuesday the 12th of July marked the last of the train naming events and saw Jo Prosser who conceived a project in Bicester which saw one million meals provided for NHS frontline staff, honoured at Oxford Station.
Great Western Railway and the BBC worked together during 2020 in order to celebrate the amazing Make a Difference Superstars from nine BBC Local Radio regions. Jo's impressive efforts were celebrated by being awarded train-name fame for her selfless dedication to helping others during the height of the pandemic. Jo is the last of 18 heroes who have been recognised by the project.
In order to move forward with her scheme, Jo had to leave her husband and much-loved dog in Lincolnshire for four months to lead the ‘Salute the NHS' project in Bicester which was co-founded by Ron Dennis CBE and found of the F1 team, McLaren.
Jo took on the part of lead operations director which saw her determined efforts to co-ordinate 800 volunteers to deliver one million meals, boxes and bags alongside 75,000 soothe and care packs to the NHS. Showing her full array of skills, Jo drove a forklift to manage orders, packed boxes and liaised with all of the teams who took part in the scheme.
Jo always works with a smile and is an inspirational leader, setting up visits with possible partners, celebrities and even a Royal guest.
Following her nomination by BBC Radio Oxford listeners, Jo was chosen by the judges as a BBC Make a Difference Superstar and her name now features on Intercity Express Train 800034.
Victoria Prentis, MP for Banbury (including Bicester), said:
“Jo is a true unsung hero. It is because of the efforts of people like her that we made it through the last couple of difficult years. Jo worked tirelessly to deliver over one million meals for NHS frontline staff in Bicester. It is brilliant to see her honoured in this unique way by GWR and the BBC.”
Great Western Railway Managing Director Mark Hopwood said:
“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.
“The various lockdown restrictions which have followed since 2020 have presented challenges in terms of staging train-naming events for these BBC Make a Difference Superstars, but we are delighted to finally recognise Jo and bring this excellent partnership to a conclusion.
“Jo went to incredible lengths to support her community during the pandemic and we're thrilled to add her name 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 her to that list.”
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 Jo is a great example to the rest of us. Congratulations to her and to the team at BBC Oxford.”
