Bus driver, for Stagecoach East Midlands, prepares for two-day cycling challenge in support of #MaxtontheBrave

• Chris will cycle 180 miles in two days, in August
• Supporting Maxton, who was born with significant health issues
• Support shown by his colleagues at the local bus operator

A high-profile member of the team at local bus operator, Stagecoach East Midlands, is preparing to take on a gruelling challenge to cycle 180 miles in two days, to provide essential equipment to support a young boy known as #MaxtontheBrave.

Chris Kelk, Operations Manager at Stagecoach East Midlands, who, last year, was named as a Finalist at the UK Bus Awards, will cycle the 180 miles from Skegness to Shildon in North-East England, in August, with the aim of raising £2,000. Pledges have already been received from his colleagues at the bus operator.

The money will go to support Maxton, who was born not breathing, but fought all the odds and came home. He now has autism, sensory disorder, global developmental delays, ARFID (a food disorder) and is non-verbal. Shortly after his second birthday, Maxton was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

Chris said: “This little boy had already gone through so much in his two short years of life, but, throughout, his strength, each and every day, is like no other. He fights as hard as the day he was born; he is just meant to be here on earth, and he fought hard to regain the use of both legs and is now running around with a smile on his face.

“From 10th September, Maxton will be one year into intense treatment, and he will be five years old before he hits remission. As a family, we are in high spirits that Maxton will one day be cancer free, with the help of all the walking angels here on earth that work at the hospital. #MaxtontheBrave is the bravest of them all.” To find out more and to make a donation, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-ride-for-maxtonthebrave?attribution_id=sl:72b53f64-651b-4129-9fe3-c0732f559fb9&lang=en_GB&ts=1781170176&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.

With Maxton’s complex needs, he cannot be left unattended at any point night or day, as he has no sense of danger or the dangers around him. As such, he needs a safety bed and some of the funds raised will be used to buy one.

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, added: “I am so proud of what Chris is doing, and the support that our team has shown him and Maxton. It is a huge effort and a wonderful gesture.”

-ENDS-

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About Stagecoach Founded in 1980, Stagecoach is the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, with a fleet of 8,400 vehicles connecting over 100 major towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

With 25,000 people in our team, we’re deeply rooted in the communities we serve. We know how important it is to stay connected to the people and places that matter – and we’re proud to play our part in helping make everyday journey simpler, greener and more reliable.

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We work closely with partners to support greener, smarter, and more inclusive transport – helping reduce congestion, cut emissions and boost local economies. Nearly 10% of our 8,400-strong fleet is now electric, and that number continues to grow as we invest in cleaner, more sustainable travel.

As part of our sustainability strategy, we’ve committed to supporting local communities by donating up to 0.5% of profit before tax each year to charitable causes across the UK.