A young man with complex needs uses a converted bus to enjoy camping trips with his family, but the aged MCW Metrobus is in need of work if it is to continue serving that purpose. Can you help out?
With family A-Levels and music exams finally out of the way, it has been time for a couple of weeks away to enjoy the beautiful summer that most of us have benefited from recently.
At the end of July we were camping on the showground in Stafford while attending a Christian conference. I was immediately intrigued by the vehicle parked close to where we had pitched our tent: A733 UOE, a MCW Metrobus Mk 2 new to West Midlands Travel in 1984.
However, upon introducing myself and speaking with the family that owns it, I found out that it now serves a very special purpose for a young boy named Adam, 11.
Adam has Down ’s syndrome and he is unable, as yet, to walk independently. He is also partially sighted and he has some autistic traits. Adam’s family love camping but with his complex needs, they had to find a different solution to simply pitching a tent.
Adam’s mother, inspired by something similar that she saw on TV, found and purchased a suitable bus and had it converted in effect to a mobile home. The bus now offers the space that the family needs to be able to look after Adam.
As his mother says: “We can be away and yet Adam is still in familiar surroundings.” She adds that “he is one of the happiest, most beautifully contented children you will ever know.”
The lower deck of the bus has a kitchen and living area, with a disabled toilet installed. The upper deck has been divided into bedrooms.
However, the bus is now 34 years old, and some of the issues common with Metrobuses Mk 2s are creating challenges.
The rubbers around the windows are starting to leak and the roof is also letting in water. Ideally, the family would love someone to come forward to be able to help them to undertake the necessary repairs so that the bus can serve Adam and his family for a few more years.
Is there any kind party within the industry that is used to dealing with Mark 2 Metrobuses and who may be able to work alongside Adam’s family to fix the bus’ issues and get the job completed?
They would also love to know more about the bus and its history.
Can you help? Please email editorial@divcom.co.uk if so.
