When you think of the Five Valleys Walk, Stroud’s most famous walking event, buses probably aren’t the first thing that springs to mind. But without the support of Stagecoach West, the charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year simply couldn’t go ahead.
In what was the 38th year of the bus company’s support of the event, Stagecoach West provided a free shuttle bus service to tired walkers from bus stops along the 21-mile route.
Over 1,600 walkers and dogs took part in the event, which raised over £43,500 for Meningitis Now.
Somewhere to rest
A stationary bus at the Brimscombe checkpoint offered exhausted walkers and their canine companions somewhere comfortable to rest before taking on more of the route.
The shuttle bus offered walkers return travel from seven checkpoints back to Stroud Cricket Club, where they could get much needed refreshments.
The Stagecoach service at the Five Valleys Walk relies on volunteers to run. Thank you so much to Stagecoach staff from the Stroud, Oxford, and Bristol depots, alongside colleagues from Head Office, who assisted with the event.
Heart warming
One walker said: “a HUGE thank you to Stagecoach. They do an amazing job and it just wouldn't be anything like as successful without them. It is really heart warming that the community comes together to help such an important charity.”
