Press Release

Date: 19 February 2018

Ferry operator DFDS​ has concluded its search for the ‘Kindest Person in Kent’ as Pam Jones of Folkestone was awarded the title for her selfless work in helping the homeless.

Throughout October, the ferry operator partnered with KM Group to encourage people in Kent to nominate deserving individuals. The ferry operator then recruited Luke Cameron – known as the Nicest Man in Britain for his charity work – to join them and KM Group on the judging panel to assist in choosing the winner.

“Being invited to be part of this process was really humbling” said Luke, “to hear about what the people of Kent do to help others was truly inspiring and the county should be proud to have so many compassionate neighbours on their doorstep.”

Michelle Ulyatt, manager at DFDS, said “The selection process created a real feel-good factor in knowing that so many people around us in Kent are looking out for one another. After sifting through the nominations, the ultimate decision was to choose someone who goes out of their way to help others and wants nothing in return. Pam’s commitment to helping the homeless and spreading good cheer really fit the bill.”

​​kmfm presenter Andy Walker added: “This has been such a heart-warming campaign to be a part of and Pam is certainly the deserving winner of this title. The work she does in supporting the local community is inspiring and it is clear that Pam is well respected and loved by those around her.”

Two nominations were received for winner Pam Jones, both crediting her for her selfless devotion to taking care of homeless people in Folkestone. Pam is found fortnightly on a Thursday morning in the Baptist Church, feeding the homeless specially prepared home-cooked meals. She has also set-up a local community group – Action Against Homelessness – to raise awareness of the issue. When Pam isn’t cooking meals for those less fortunate than her, she is also found helping friends and neighbours in need of an extra pair of hands and is also a foster carer, having fostered more than 200 children.

DFDS, KM Group and Luke Cameron met with Pam’s nominators and surprised Pam with the title ‘Kindest Person in Kent’, along with free return ferry crossings from Dover to France for two, and £1,000 spending money for her trip to the Continent.

“What can I say?” Pam Jones commented, “I’m humbled. Thank you. It’s nice to get some recognition and we do try to help everyone within the community in Folkestone. It’s overwhelming.

“It’s just helping” she added, “helping bring the community together and when they need it the most. ‘Share the Love’ – that is my motto!”

Michelle Ulyatt of DFDS added: “We ran this campaign to highlight the good that is being done across our county and celebrate the work of unsung heroes in our communities. It’s a great way to give something back to those who are going out of their way to help others. There is no doubt that Pam is a worthy winner of this title and we’re glad to have the opportunity to celebrate her selflessness and good work.”

DFDS has created a short video with highlights from the Kindest Person in Kent campaign, which can be found here: https://vimeo.com/246938797

The ferry operator offers up to 56 daily sailings on its Dover to Dunkirk and Dover to Calais ferry services. The ships café’s serving hot and cold drinks plus light snacks; a self-service restaurant offering hot and cold meals; a shop with up to 20 per cent off high-street prices on fragrances, skin care and cosmetics, plus a range of travel essentials and duty-paid goods; and a Kidz Club children’s play area that provides entertainment and activities for children during the holiday period. All of the company’s ships also feature a premium lounge, which can be booked for an additional £12 per person each way.

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For further press information, please contact: Katie Raby / Alex Fenton / Rachel Sewell / Stuart Fyfe​​ Rooster PR T : +44 (0)20 3440 8930 E : DFDS@rooster.co.uk www.rooster.co.uk

About DFDS:

DFDS is Northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company, with a network of around 30 routes and 50 freight and passenger ships.

DFDS prides itself on offering world-class facilities and services and the widest choice of ferry routes into northern Europe.

In the UK, the company operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.

DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for eight years running (2012-2019), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last seven years (2011-18).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and France on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the DFDS network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven to Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is operated by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, click here.