Hull Trains supported the first annual Bee Lady Day today (Tuesday, May 13), a celebration of the life of a well-known Hull fundraiser, by welcoming on board several winners of the new Jean Bishop Legacy Award.
The city’s own “queen bee” Jean raised more than £125,000 dressed as a bee, for the charity Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire (Age UK HEY), before she died at the age of 99 in 2021. The Jean Bishop Legacy Award is a new initiative designed to celebrate older individuals who have made a difference to the lives of people across the region.
The first recipients were VIP guests of Hull Trains, who this morning boarded “Coach Bee” at Hull Station, travelling to Doncaster to enjoy a tasty bee-themed afternoon tea and several activities, before returning home. Hull Trains named one of its state-of-the-art trains after Jean in 2022, after her name won a public vote by more than 80 per cent to decide what it should be called.
Louise Mendham, service delivery director at Hull Trains, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in Bee Lady Day – a fitting tribute to a true Hull legend. Jean was an example of the strong community spirit in our area and we were delighted to welcome the award winners and volunteers on board to raise plenty of money for a cause that was close to her heart – Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire.”
Andy Haynes, Age UK HEY CEO, said: “Many people have a special memory of Jean, and this is a great way to remember her, celebrate her legacy and raise funds for Age UK HEY just as she used to do. We are aiming to establish this day as an important calendar date for many years to come.”
(Image: hulltrains.co.uk)
With this week also marking Mental Health Awareness Week, the special guests were also treated to complimentary mindful Cuppa Kindness tea boxes from the Hull-based small business. Its founder Kitty Hargreaves said: “It’s brilliant to be a part of the Hull Trains celebration of the first ever Bee Lady Day.
“As a Hull-based business, Cuppa Kindness is honoured to be a part of remembering Jean Bishop and celebrating her extraordinary legacy. I hope the deserving guests enjoyed their special teas.”
Events are taking place across the city today and this week for what is hoped will be the first of many Bee Lady Days helping raise funds for Age UK and celebrating Jean Bishop’s proud legacy supporting the charity. Hull Trains is a proud supporter of good causes in East Yorkshire, recently also teaming up with Rugby League clubs Hull FC and Hull KR to give a group of schoolchildren a once-in-a-lifetime trip with their rugby heroes.
The operator was also last week shortlisted for the Environmental, Social and Governance Award at the RISE (Railway Industry Supplier Excellence) Awards.
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