Stagecoach Bus Driver Tony Houghton Supports Baby Loss Awareness Week with Charity Bus Initiative

As Baby Loss Awareness Week approaches, Stagecoach bus driver Tony Houghton is taking a heartfelt step to raise awareness and funds for a cause deeply personal to him.

Tony will be driving a specially decorated bus during Baby Loss Awareness Week, with a charity bucket on board to collect donations for the cause. The week-long initiative will support efforts to bring attention to the emotional and often silent struggle many families endure after the loss of a baby.

A Personal Mission to Support Families

Tony’s involvement in this cause comes from his own heart-wrenching experience. In 2007, he lost his baby, a tragedy that profoundly impacted his life. Recently, after learning about Stagecoach’s work with various charities, he felt inspired to act. With support from his colleague Daniel Bray—who lost his 8-month-old baby eight years ago—Tony decided to contribute to this year’s Baby Loss Awareness Week campaign.

For seven consecutive days, Tony will be driving his charity-decorated bus, collecting donations from passengers and engaging the community in conversations about baby loss. His goal is to raise both funds and awareness for this important cause.

The bus will be driving will special messages featuring awareness for the week, a remembrance for both Grace Houghton and Gracie Bray, and Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatel Death Society), a charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby.

From Mechanic to Bus Driver and Advocate

Before joining Stagecoach, Tony worked as a mechanic for 26 years. Health issues forced him to leave his physically demanding job, and it was his daughter, also a bus driver, who encouraged him to try driving. Tony quickly fell in love with the role, finding a new sense of purpose and joy in serving his community.

During his time off for health reasons, Tony also dedicated time to his family, especially his son, who has Autism. Tony’s personal experiences have strengthened his resolve to make a difference in his community, particularly through charities like Sands United Solent First, a football group that supports parents who have experienced baby loss.

Raising Awareness for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Tony’s charity initiative is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a way to honour the memory of his own child and countless others. Along with Daniel Bray, Tony is determined to support families who have experienced the heartache of losing a baby, raising awareness. Their bus will serve as a moving symbol of this important cause, and Tony encourages everyone to donate and reflect on the significance of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

With every ride, every donation, and every conversation, Tony hopes to break the silence surrounding baby loss and foster a sense of community and understanding for those affected.

About Baby Loss Awareness Week

Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place from October 9th to October 15th each year. It is a global initiative that brings together families and communities to remember babies lost during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy. The week is marked by various activities and events aimed at raising awareness, breaking the silence, and offering support to bereaved families.

For more information on Baby Loss Awareness Week, visit babyloss-awareness.org.