double decker at Witham depot are (left to right) Paul Smith of Talisman
Coachlines, Peter Hennessey, fund raiser for Essex Air Ambulance and
Richard Delahoy and Steven Hughes (seated), Running Day Organisers
Following the fifth “Heritage Bus Running Day” in Southend on January 1, Stephensons of Essex presented a cheque for £1,250 to Essex Air Ambulance.
Stephensons, assisted by other bus operators, organised special bus services on New Year’s Day when the regular First and Arriva services were not running in Southend. Using a mix of modern and heritage buses, all crewed by volunteers, over 1,500 passenger trips were made and the profits donated to charities supported by the operators and their drivers.
Most of the donations went to Essex Air Ambulance, who received £1,000. Other charities were Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Help for Heroes and the Wickford War Memorial Association. Supporting Stephensons were Talisman Coachlines, Fords Coaches, Ensign Bus, Regal Busways, Carters Coaches and Panther Travel.
