11 April 2025
Carol Knaggs, reception lead at Foss Park Hospital in York, is one of two winners in the ‘Nominate Your Hero’ competition.
Nominated by her colleagues, Beverley and Geena, Carol’s name will be displayed on a brand-new bus in honour of her volunteer work that will travel throughout York.
Beverley, also a receptionist at Foss Park, said: “Carol is an amazing receptionist and volunteer who goes above and beyond in supporting our patients, even in her personal time. Every Christmas, Easter and Summer, Carol throws herself into organising fundraisers to raise much needed funds for staff and people in our care. She makes sure these events are a success and fun for all, which really lifts the community’s spirit.
“Carol uses her hobbies, such as crafting and baking, to bring joy into the hospital and also takes part in organised events including gardening and wellbeing walks with the patients. There is not much Carol wouldn’t give her time to.
“Carol continues to plan volunteering into her personal time. She is a true gem and one of a kind. Her colleagues at Foss Park Hospital believe she is truly deserving of this accolade.”
Geena added: “Carol’s events and support have raised approximately £5000 over the last four years for Foss Park Hospital Charitable Funds. This money is used to support patients and staff wellbeing.
“She is our very own sustainable hero, also offering her spare time to assist with the upkeep of the grounds of the hospital; most recently planting trees around the back of the hospital.
“Carol is a wonderful, gentle, and kind lady who deserves more recognition than she receives for all her hard work and positivity.”
The newly named Carol Knaggs bus arrived at the entrance of Foss Park Hospital on Thursday 10 April for the grand reveal and to capture Carol’s reaction to winning the competition ran by YO1 Radio and First Bus.
Carol said: “I’m pleased as punch. Very, very shocked, but also touched and please that people have recognised my work. It’s fantastic! I’m a bit speechless.
“I love being a part of Foss Park and I love being in a position to be able to help patients. I do it because I enjoy it and it’s part of me and my journey here. It makes the patients happy because it’s not just about them being on the ward, it’s about them being their normal selves and enjoying themselves.
“I like being able to share the things I like doing, things that adds an element of fun and connection, for patients and visitors, away from mental illness. It’s about spreading a little bit of happiness.
“I had no idea I was nominated by Beverley and Geena; I was clueless! Even this morning, I thought there might have been something going on just a minute or two before, but I had no idea.
“Coming out and seeing the bus I was a bit shy, but then I thought this looks amazing and when I saw my family It just gave me a nice warm feeling.
“All I can say is a huge thank you to everybody for this, because this is amazing. I feel very special now.”
