Stagecoach South East donates bus to Eastbourne sports charity

Bus operator Stagecoach South East has donated an out-of-service bus to the Eastbourne-based charity, Defiant Sports.

The single decker bus was transported to the charity’s ‘Inclusion Hub’ where its interior has been stripped to turn it into a sensory room. Local pub, The Windsor Tavern, has also been helping Defiant Sports to kit out the bus; through their fundraising, over £800 has been raised to purchase sensory equipment.

Defiant Sports was founded by managing director Loretta Lock to offer inclusive access to sports for people with disabilities. The charity aims to remove barriers to access and establish a supportive space for marginalised communities. They run a range of regular events, and their Inclusion Hub is open as a drop-in venue Monday to Saturday. The venue is home to a fully accessible sports hall, a lounge space with games consoles, a charity shop, a gym, and a community area with plenty of space for low-impact sports such as table-tennis or pool.

Loretta said "We cannot express how grateful we are for Stagecoach’s amazing donation and the benefits it will bring to our community, especially at this time when services for people with disabilities, neurodivergence or other barriers to participation are being cut. This will quickly become a vital support tool and great place to hang out.”

“A community vote has just ended with the result meaning the bus will be called Stephen. So, Stephen the sensory bus is under construction!

Ali Rahmani, assistant operations manager at Stagecoach South East’s Eastbourne depot, said, “When I heard that Defiant Sports wanted to create an additional sensory room, I was happy to help by offering them one of our retired buses. I have supported charities for people with disabilities in the past, so was really keen to get involved with this donation.

“Defiant Sports is such an important facility, and I’m glad that Stephen the sensory bus will be continuing to serve the local community – albeit in a different way. The support for this project has been incredible and I can’t wait to see the grand reveal!”

Defiant Sports are hoping to have the bus fully decorated and equipped in February, when there will be an event to celebrate its opening.

Ali Rahmani, assistant operations manager at Stagecoach South East’s Eastbourne depot, (left) pictured with Loretta Lock, managing director of Defiant Sports, (right) in front of an unfinished Stephen the sensory bus.