A Norfolk paramedic who starts every day by driving children to school has been shortlisted as one of five finalists in Tiptree's search for Britain's Morning Hero. The judging panel read through every one of the large number of brilliant nominations received from across the UK before choosing the final five.
Swaffham-based Carl Smith has been a paramedic with the ambulance service and an on-call firefighter with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years, and has spent the past 20 years working on the air ambulance. He is also Head of Emergency and Critical Care at the Royal College of Paramedics.
Every morning, before his working day begins, Carl drives a school bus. He has been doing the same school run for many years and has got to know the children well, having first started driving the buses over 30 years ago. Once the children have been dropped off, he heads off to his other work, either as a paramedic or in his role at the Royal College of Paramedics.
In his own time, Carl has also volunteered for the past 20 years with Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS), a charity that supports ambulance crews dealing with seriously ill and injured patients. Over three decades, Carl has helped countless people in their time of need, as well as getting children safely to school every morning.
Carl was nominated by Emily Le-Gallienne, who he supported as a mentor during her Master's degree.
Emily Le-Gallienne said: "If asked to consider someone who serves their community every morning, Carl pops into my head instantly! As well as working full-time as a paramedic and an on-call firefighter, he also drives the school bus. He really does deserve to be celebrated and is an asset to his local community in Norfolk.
"Carl has been an incredible person to learn from and I was really pleased to be able to nominate him for this."
Carl Smith commented: "To be nominated for this award came as a complete surprise, and I'm genuinely touched that Emily has taken the time to put my name forward.
"I've always enjoyed what I do, whether that's helping patients, responding to emergencies or simply taking the children to school each morning. They're all very different roles, but each is rewarding in its own way. I don't do any of it for recognition. It's just something I've always done and enjoyed doing. To think that Emily feels it's worthy of an award is incredibly humbling.
"I'm truly grateful for the nomination and would also like to thank my partner Sue, who has supported me throughout everything I do. Without her support, I certainly wouldn't be able to juggle quite so many things!"
Carl is one of five finalists shortlisted in Tiptree's Raise a Toast to Britain's Morning Heroes competition, which celebrates the unsung individuals whose kindness, dedication and community spirit help make Britain's mornings a bit brighter.
The public is now invited to vote for the finalist they believe most deserves the title of Britain's Morning Hero. Voting opens on Thursday 29 October and closes at midnight on Tuesday 10 November. The winner will be crowned in November and will enjoy a special Tiptree experience, including a farm and factory tour, a visit to Tiptree's flagship tea room and an overnight stay and breakfast at Marquis Suffolk. They will also receive a year's supply of Tiptree marmalade, strawberry jam and tomato ketchup, ensuring their mornings remain extra special long after their prize trip.
Liz Millin, Marketing Manager at Tiptree, said: "Before most of us have finished our first slice of toast, Carl is already behind the wheel making sure children get to school, and that's before he starts a day caring for people in an emergency. His commitment to his community, morning after morning, is exactly what Britain's Morning Hero is all about.
"We're delighted to have Carl among our five finalists and hope the public will get behind him as we celebrate the people who make a real difference to those around them."
To vote for Carl or find out more about the other finalists, visit https://www.tiptree.com/pages/breakfast-hero.
