Special bus launched to say thank you to Harrogate's health heroes

Prepare for roadworks on hundreds of Harrogate streets in £50m improvements programme

Following the launch of our Health Heroes campaign - celebrating key workers and those on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic - we received an incredible response. And now we have, those amazing workers are being celebrated with the special big red bus.

The #HarrogateHeroes bus was revealed at the launch of the Nightingale Hospital yesterday, Tuesday, and carries the message: “Thanks to our heroes who keep Harrogate on the move.”

It features people from all different sectors, including those in the NHS and care work, as well as waste collectors, street cleaners and people delivering essential items like food and prescriptions.

Vital work by the bus firm’s own teams to keep transport links running for key workers and those needing to reach food shops and essential services is also recognised with pictures of some of its drivers, engineers and support staff .

The bus also highlights some of the workers involved in creating the new Nightingale hospital at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Fran Patrick, one of those featured on the bus, took to Twitter to express her joy.

This remarkable Harrogate six-year-old with cerebral palsy has been inspired by Captain Tom Moore to walk 10 miles for NHS charities

She wrote: “Honoured to be classed as a keyworker and help support the fight and support #TeamNightingale by giving the #NHS and other keyworkers somewhere comfortable to stay.

“Thanks @harrogatebus for all you are doing too and all the other key workers it’s about being in this together.”

Phil Standen, a B&B owner who has joined the Dignicare team during the pandemic, said being recognised for his work was “amazing”.

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “My picture being on the side of the bus was totally amazing and humbling and to see all the other key workers too. You never know when you might need care in the home, but Dignicare is a fabulous company to work for with amazing caregivers who go that extra mile to help.”

Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev, added: “As key workers ourselves, we know first-hand how important it is to keep on serving local people by helping others who need to make a journey, including to and from work or to pick up food or access services.

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“We know there are many unsung heroes doing all kinds of jobs right now who deserve our community’s thanks, and so we decided to recognise them by covering our ‘Harrogate Heroes’ bus with their photos, along with the jobs they do. We’re delighted with the positive response.”