Stagecoach London bus drivers and staff have been opting for two feet rather than six wheels – all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
An intrepid team of ‘Route Runners’ are opting to run, cycle or walk the length of their usual bus routes, raising vital funds for Macmillan in the process.
This latest fundraising ‘drive’ is part of an on-going partnership, which has so far seen Stagecoach London raise over £54,000 for Macmillan.
Paul Baily (52), from the company’s Plumstead Garage, had the initial idea to run the operator’s local bus routes. During February and March, Paul was joined by several colleagues who together ran the length of 5 different bus routes, covering a distance of over 56miles. For the Route Runners challenge alone, Paul and his fellow fundraisers have raised almost £1,800. And the team still has a further two routes to go.
Paul, who lives in Thamesmead, said of his unique fundraising challenge:
“My motivation was simple, my Mum had cancer and went through the stress of chemotherapy, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and is three years into remission – but sadly I lost my Dad 6-years-ago to the disease.
“When we originally decided to do this challenge for charity, Dan suggested the first and obvious charity for us was Macmillan.”
And other staff members and family members have now taken up the gauntlet; running or cycling additional bus routes covered by Stagecoach London. The 10 strong team includes: Colin Ash, Paul Baily, Matthew Bickle, Tony Buckingham, Des Edwards, Ian French, Sarunas Prickaitis, Amrit Shrestha, Dan Simmonds and Abudulay Tunkara Tunkara.
Fellow Plumstead Garage Driver, Tony Buckingham, was also inspired to get involved by the loss of a loved one:
“My motivation is my Mum, who I lost to cancer. Macmillan were there when they were needed. I want to make my Mum proud, love her lots and miss her loads.”
