Bus drivers from Plumstead run their routes for charity

A group of committed bus drivers from Plumstead are running their usual outes to r

A group of committed bus drivers from Plumstead have raised thousands of pounds for cancer support, by running their usual bus routes.

Thamesmead bus driver Paul Baily came up with the idea after his both mum and wife were hit with cancer before he sadly last his dad to the disease.

Now he and his intrepid team of 'Route Runners', all from Stagecoach's Plumstead Garage, are opting to run, cycle and walk the length of their usual bus routes ranging across south London.

The group are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and with five routes down, they have covered 56 miles and raised over £1,800.

52-year-old 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.”

During February and March, he and several colleagues together ran the length of five bus routes, covering over 56 miles, and the team still has two further routes to go.

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.

He said: “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.”

This latest fundraising ‘drive’ is part of an on-going partnership, which has so far seen Stagecoach London raise over £54,000 for Macmillan.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Julie Holland, Macmillan Senior Relationship Fundraising Manager for London, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support, like so many charities across the UK, has been hugely impacted by the cancellation of thousands of crucial fundraising events due to COVID.

“With our charity expecting to lose millions of pounds as a result of the virus, Macmillan has never needed the public’s support more – we simply couldn’t help the growing number of people who need us without fantastic fundraisers like Paul and the rest of Stagecoach London.

"They will help ensure Macmillan can continue to be there for people living with cancer, from the moment of their diagnosis.”

The fundraiser is still open to donations, so if you're impressed by the team's efforts click here!

To read more about what Macmillan does, or to donate to the charity, find out more here.