Bosham resident sets off on charity journey around England

Penny Ibbott is joined by Stagecoach’s Colin Ashcroft as she sets off on her fundraising journey around England.

Penny Ibbott, from Bosham, has begun a mammoth bus journey around the edge of England to raise money for St Wilfrid’s hospice.

The local pensioner, who began her trip on her favourite 700 Stagecoach bus from Chichester to Portsmouth, will undertake the journey almost entirely using her bus pass. 
Her travel itinerary will take in the beautiful counties of West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall during the first part of her adventure.

Penny said: “I am so inspired by the work of St Wilfrid's Hospice Chichester and wanted to support them by raising money. The loving care they provide for terminally ill patients is outstanding. I enjoy travelling by public transport, so the idea of an epic bus trip seemed rather fitting!”

She was accompanied on the first leg of her journey, from Bosham to Portsmouth, by Colin Ashcroft, Operations Manager at Stagecoach’s Portsmouth depot.

Colin commented: “To be able to support such a wonderful initiative is a real privilege for Stagecoach. Penny is one of the most intrepid and determined passengers we have come across and we’re honoured that she’s started on her favourite bus – the Stagecoach 700.”

St Wilfrid’s Hospice is an independent local charity and has been caring for and supporting those in the community who are in the last phase of their lives for the last 30 years. The catchment area runs between Emsworth to the west, Arundel to the east and south of the downs to the coast.

Alex Burch, Community Fundraising Manager at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, said: “Penny hopes to get up to Hadrian’s Wall and back and we wish her all the best! St Wilfrid’s Hospice is incredibly grateful to have supporters like Penny, prepared to take on challenges to help fund the £7.7 million it takes for St Wilfrid’s to offer its services completely free to the public each year”

Anyone interested in keeping up to date with Penny’s progress can follow her Facebook page – BOOMER ON A BUS – and donate on her fundraising page.