Driver Terry Bowden was praised for his selfless actions and quick thinking
A Stagecoach North East driver has received a special award for coming to the aid of an Alzheimer’s sufferer.
Terry Bowden from Sunderland depot was presented with the firm’s Service to the Community accolade after being nominated by Fred and Lena Browne for the assistance he gave to Fred’s elderly aunt.
The lady in question had left her sheltered accommodation home and after the alarm was raised, she was found by Mr Bowden wandering around in a confused state at Holmeside in the city. He was driving the service 10 in the area and after realising she needed help, he brought her onto his bus and took her home.
Fred Browne said: “As a former bus driver myself, I am proud Mr Bowden is going to get the recognition he deserves for such a selfless act. His quick thinking resulted in my aunt being brought home safely. We had no idea where she had gone and found out afterwards she had actually gone to get her late husband from the pub he used to drink in, so she could have been out all night looking for him. My wife and I cannot thank him enough for his help and think there would be no-one better to receive the Service to the Community award.”
Mike Watson, Operations Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “It is lovely to hear from our passengers and the public when members of our team have excelled and supported the community in which they serve. Without Terry’s intervention the situation could have become much worse and the positive outcome reported by Mr and Mrs Browne might not have occurred so he is a worthy recipient of our Service to the Community award. As a company we pride ourselves on acknowledging our staff when they have gone above and beyond their duties and there’s no doubt that’s what Terry did.”
