‘It’s a real honour, especially because it’s been chosen by the people of Hull’
Roaring success at unveiling of KCOM’s latest Hometown Hero phone box honouring charity champion Dean Hoggard(Image: kcom.com)
KCOM’s latest “Hometown Hero” has unveiled an iconic cream phone box named in his honour – with a little help from a prehistoric friend. Dean Hoggard, founder of the Life For A Kid charity, is one of nine local legends to have a classic K6 phone box dedicated to them as part of KCOM’s Hometown Heroes campaign.
To help Dean unveil the cream kiosk, he was joined by family and friends and also an unexpected prehistoric guest. The “Tyrano-phonus Rex” dropped by the unveiling to celebrate the fact that youngsters supported by Life For A Kid will receive a special VIP experience at this week’s Dino Day in Hull city centre, which is also sponsored by KCOM.
Dean said receiving his Hometown Heroes kiosk, which can be found on the junction of Southcoates Lane and Preston Road, east Hull, was extra special. He said: “It’s fantastic – a real honour, especially because it’s been chosen by the people of Hull.
“To get that local recognition is really special. It’s great to have it in this area of east Hull too, because this is the area where we’ve helped a lot of kids, and my family can come and visit it too.
“But it’s not about me. This is for all the fantastic volunteers and helpers we have at Life For A Kid who’ve done so much down the years to help us do what we do.”
Dean’s mum Pam Rickles said: “I’m so proud of him. I always think it’s amazing what he does.
“I was really proud when he got his BEM medal from the Queen, but this local one is really special too.” Five-year-old Lukus Arnold, who is a Life For A Kid mascot, was one of the youngsters joining in the celebrations.
Despite already having to endure eight major heart operations in his life so far, Lukus was full of beans and excited to meet the dinosaur. Lukus’s dad Dave paid tribute to Dean, saying: “It’s amazing what Dean’s done for so many kids around here and it’s fantastic to see him get the appreciation.
“He’s done so much for Lukus in such a short space of time, helping us to make so many great memories, and we’re massively grateful. He’s a great bloke.”
Tim Fletcher, KCOM’s director of operations, said: “Dean has made an incredible contribution to the local community, helping so many children facing immense challenges to get the most out of life. He hugely deserves having one of Hull’s famous K6 phone boxes named in his honour and represents the very best of the city.
“Dean’s east Hull phone box will now be seen by thousands of people every day, spreading the word about all the fantastic work Life For A Kid does.” Dean is the latest Hometown Hero to receive their own cream K6 kiosk, with Hull’s Hollywood star Robert Aramayo; England international Lioness Jess Park; NHS legend Cath Lyon and local fishing heritage legend Jerry Thompson all receiving boxes so far this year.
For more information about KCOM’s Hometown Heroes visit kcom.com/hometownheroes
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