Bus driver swaps seat for saddle

A talented bus driver has raised more than £700 for charity through her passion for horse riding. 

Emily Brown, who works for Stagecoach South East in Thanet, completed a 10-mile sponsored ride through the North Downs area of outstanding natural beauty on Sunday, July 4.  

The East Kent Ride, held in Olantigh Park in Wye, has raised £250,000 for charitable causes since it launched more than 40 years ago.  

This year's event supported Demelza Hospice, The Firefighters Charity, and the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance.

Ms Brown, from Margate, was excited to get back on the saddle after the event was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

She had initially raised £422 until Stagecoach topped up the donation by £300 to support their colleague.

The 28-year-old said: “I'm ecstatic at the amount that was raised. It more than exceeded my expectations.
“It is a really beautiful ride and I’m forever grateful to the farmers who lend us their land, the event organisers, and the volunteers who make it happen every year.”

To find out more, visit: www.ekr.org.uk