The Stagecoach South team has raised almost £300 for BBC Children in Need. Led by driver Rachael Street (pictured, right), a specially liveried ‘Pudsey bus’ was used in Chichester, Havant and Portsmouth between 13-15 November and generated £283.90 in donations.
Ms Street is in her seventh year with Stagecoach and her ninth of organising the Pudsey bus. After starting the initiative with another organisation, she brought it with her when joining Stagecoach.
“I love having a yellow double-decker for the event – it is a real statement piece and matches the Children in Need colour scheme perfectly. Since we do not have other yellow buses, it really stands out on the road,” she says.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro400 is decorated in Children in Need’s dots and Pudsey bear imagery and has become what Stagecoach South says is “a well-loved sight in the region.” Ms Street adds that the vehicle has developed a loyal following, with one supporter tracking its route and taking photos along the way.
Ms Street was joined by partner and colleague Graeme Clark (pictured, left), who has been with Stagecoach for over five years. He added his own dedication and cheer to the campaign.
She continues: “I have admired the work that Children in Need does for years, and I feel honoured to contribute to such a worthy cause. Without children, we would not have our future passengers, drivers, or the next generation growing up in our communities.”
A Stagecoach South spokesperson has expressed the operator’s pride in Ms Street’s work, saying: “We are incredibly proud of Rachael and the entire Portsmouth team. Their passion and dedication make a difference in the lives of children and families, and they bring incredible joy to our community.”
