Stagecoach celebrates its exceptional employees

Bus operator Stagecoach South East held its annual People At The Heart (PATH) awards celebration and dinner on Saturday.

The company launched its PATH Awards in 2020 to recognise and reward the exceptional achievements of its employees. Staff nominate their colleagues each month, with an overall winner announced at the annual awards ceremony.

This year’s ‘Winner of Winners’ award was presented to Canterbury Bus Station’s Dave Ellis and Glenis Martin who saved the life of a colleague in November last year.

When one of their driving colleagues stepped off their bus and collapsed during rush hour, Dave and Glenis responded swiftly, calling an ambulance and performing life-saving CPR. Few people know what to do when faced with an emergency like this, but the pair didn’t panic and bravely took immediate action.

Dave Ellis (third from left) presented with his award and certificate by managing director, Joel Mitchell, and colleagues Katherine Jones and Susan Horn

Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach South East’s managing director, said “We’re so proud of their swift response, level headedness and ability to step up when it was most needed. Their brave actions almost certainly saved the life of our colleague.”

Six other colleagues were also ‘highly commended’ at the awards evening, held at Holiday Inn Ashford North. Drivers Jonathan Everton, Ben Taylor, Mark Freeman, John Newey, Barry Sion, and Bhim Pun Magar were all recognised for helping passengers and colleagues in distress and crisis.

Stagecoach colleagues celebrate their PATH awards at Holiday Inn Ashford North.