Stagecoach employees hold charity football match, raising almost £3000 for local causes.

A team of employees from Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire have raised a total of £1927 with an additional £1000 donation from the business for Ronald McDonald House, Royal British Legion and Manchester Children Hospital. 

Steve Billington, driver, decided the time was right to arrange an employee football match to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity. Steve had first hand experience of seeing the great work of the charity after a close family member needed to have treatment with them. As the event began to grow and the team raised more money, they decided to add other causes which were important to those involved. These were Royal British Legion and Manchester Children's Hospital. 

Over 30 employees were involved in the football match with a further 70 employees and their families coming along to watch the event on Sunday November 7 at Christ The King School playing fields in Preston. 

The organisers of the event were shocked to learn that over 200 employees had made donations and had achieved 400% more than the £500 target they had set. 

Aware of how these charities were close to the hearts of employees, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire donated a further £1000 to the cause.

Matt Davies, Managing Director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire said: “Traditionally there has always been a bit of rivalry between Engineering and Operations teams and so the charity football match was a great way for our teams to come together, have some fun and get some exercise whilst raising money for some very good causes. We are delighted to be able do our bit to support the event through assisting with pitch fees and contributing to the money raised. Well done to everyone involved!” 

Steve Billington, a bus driver for Stagecoach and one of the main organisers of the event said: “I am delighted that we have raised so much money for three worthy causes and proud of everyone who took part, helped or fundraised on the lead up to the event. Ronald McDonald House is really close to my heart as my partners child had to have open heart surgery when he was a toddler. The treatment that they gave to children and their families is superb. They even housed my partner closer to the Hospital so that she could spend more time with her son rather than commuting. So, I know this money will be gratefully received and we look forward to doing more charity events in future.”