Rachel Street - The Heart and Drive Behind Stagecoach South Pudsey Bus for BBC Children in Need

On BBC Children in Need Day, Stagecoach South celebrates the success of its relaunch of the beloved ‘Pudsey’ bus and the dedicated driver at the heart of the initiative: Rachael Street. For the past three days, Rachael and her partner in crime, Graeme Clarke have been driving the decorated ‘Pudsey’ bus across Havant, Portsmouth, and Chichester, spreading joy and gathering donations to support Children in Need.

This year marks Rachael’s ninth year running the ‘Pudsey’ bus, and she continues to bring enthusiasm and heart to the role. Known for her warm connection with the community, Rachael spoke about what this project means to her, saying, “What I enjoy most about doing the ‘Pudsey’ bus is the joy it brings to passengers, knowing that it’s for such a great cause. Each year, seeing the finished bus fills me with immense pride.”

She also added that “I love having a yellow double-decker for the event—it’s a real statement piece and matches the Children in Need colour scheme perfectly. Since we have no other yellow buses, it really stands out on the road.”

Throughout her journey, Rachael has received incredible support from the entire Portsmouth depot team, who have rallied together to make this year’s Children in Need campaign a success. From preparing the bus to coordinating the route, the team’s dedication has helped ensure a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.

The ‘Pudsey’ bus itself, decorated in bright yellow with BBC Children in Need dots and Pudsey Bear imagery, has attracted a loyal following throughout the route. Inside the bus, passengers are invited to make donations using a charity bucket on board, allowing everyone to play a part in supporting this important cause.

Joining Rachael on this journey is her partner, Graeme Clarke, who brings his own passion to the project. Together, they’ve transformed daily commutes into opportunities for people to connect and contribute.

Rachael’s commitment to the ‘Pudsey’ bus is driven by her admiration for BBC Children in Need’s mission. “I’ve been a fan of Children in Need for years and wanted to do my part for such an amazing cause. Without children, we wouldn’t have future passengers, drivers, or the next generation growing up in our communities,” she shared.

Stagecoach South’s management expressed deep appreciation for the Portsmouth team’s efforts, saying, “We are incredibly proud of Rachael, Graeme, and everyone at the Portsmouth depot for their dedication. Their commitment goes beyond the road—it’s about creating smiles, raising awareness, and supporting the future of our communities.”

On Children in Need Day, Stagecoach South invites everyone to hop on, donate, and celebrate the efforts of Rachael and the team as they make a lasting impact on the lives of young people across the UK.