As in many cities up and down the country, Aberdeen’s bus station continues to operate as a key transport interchange during these challenging times. One member of staff there is going above and beyond to keep the local communities connected. Daryl Mitchell, who has worked for Stagecoach for 7 years having joined the company as a driver, is now one of the team of Bus Station Controllers responsible for keeping Stagecoach bus services running smoothly in Aberdeen city and shire.
Outside his working life, Daryl leads Track and Street Grampian, a car club he established 9 years ago which has recently been offering support to vulnerable people in the region. Daryl and fellow members of the car club identified the need for a delivery service of care packages to vulnerable people in the area and were overwhelmed by the demand and the support provided from local businesses, which donated milk, bread, pasta, tinned foods, nappies and medicines for Daryl and the car club team to distribute to those most in need.
The demand reached such a high that the club had to source additional premises to store all the items being donated. Daryl said: “When we started this at the end of March we were delivering more than 100 free care packages each week, making deliveries 7 days a week. I’m really proud to have been able to make a difference in the community with the help of the members of the club and know we will continue to rally together to offer this service for as long as there is demand.”
Peter Knight, Managing Director for Stagecoach Bluebird said: “I am really pleased to have people like Daryl working for the company in Aberdeen. It is in these times of need we always see the community step up to support each other and Daryl and all the members of the car club are doing a fantastic job in caring for others in what is a challenging time for everyone.”
Stagecoach has started to celebrate heroes from across the UK this month and Daryl was the second employee from across the UK to be recognised as a Stagecoach Hero for his selfless service to the community.
