‘Hometown Hero’ singing in the rain for latest launch!
‘MASSIVE HONOUR’: Jo Kent with family and friends celebrating her new phone box
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
The heavens may have opened but that didn’t dampen the spirits for KCOM’s latest Hometown Hero Jo Kent.
Community wellbeing pioneer Jo, who has devoted over 40 years supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society, was joined by friends, family and colleagues to unveil a classic cream K6 phone box named in her honour in Hull city centre.
And despite a few raindrops falling on their heads, the audience were in high spirits celebrating Jo’s remarkable career and contribution to the local community.
Jo, who co-founded Humber Wellbeing Services, including the Hub in Hessle, and more recently Blossom: Self Harm and Suicide Prevention Service, said she was honoured to have been chosen as a Hometown Hero by the people of Hull.
“It’s a massive honour,” she said: “It’s difficult to put into words, but you don’t really think about it, you just get on and do what you do each day. So, when you hear people have voted for you and want to recognise you is really nice.
“I’m just an ordinary girl doing ordinary things, so to have this is something really special. It means a lot.”
Jo added that she was most looking forward to walking her 18-month-old granddaughter Betsy down Whitefriargate, to show off her kiosk.
“I feel really proud that Betsy can come here and see her Mi-Mi’s phone box,” she laughed. “I can’t wait to see her face when she sees me on there!”
PRPUD: Jo with her new phone box on Whitefriargate
Joining the celebrations on the day were Jo’s sons, current Hull Seahawks player Alex and retired player Jordan.
Jordan said: “We’re really proud of her. To us she’s just mum, but when you see something like this you realise how much she’s achieved and how many lives she’s touched.
“She never stops and is always onto the next thing, so it’s great that she’s got his recognition today. She deserves it.”
KCOM recently supported Humber Wellbeing Hub’s inaugural Festival of Hope, in Hessle, an event giving people access to a wide range of local support, wellbeing services and activities.
Brolly in hand, KCOM chief people officer Kenneth Ross, added: “Jo is a true Hometown Hero who’s had a huge impact on this city and its people, transforming lives, indeed saving lives, and making our region a better place to be.
“Jo’s unwavering commitment, compassion and vision have made a huge difference to thousands of people, providing hope and support where previously there was none.
“Congratulations Jo, it’s an honour to dedicate this unique piece of Hull’s history to you, it’s very well deserved.”
Jo is the latest Hometown Hero to receive her own cream K6 kiosk. Hull’s Hollywood star Robert Aramayo; England international Lioness Jess Park; NHS stalwart Cath Lyon; local fishing heritage legend Jerry Thompson, Life For A Kid charity founder Dean Hoggard and Mysterious Minds charity founders Chelsey Dalee and Dawn Thompson have all already received boxes so far this year.
For more details about KCOM’s Hometown Heroes visit www.kcom.com/home/hometown-heroes/
For more details about Humber Wellbeing Services visit www.humberwellbeinghub.com