Stagecoach colleague paddles for teammate and The Brain Tumour Charity

A Stagecoach colleague is swapping the bus for a boat next month as she joins her ice hockey teammates in a Dragon Boat Race to honour a much-loved friend and teammate.

Lorraine Stainton, who has worked for Stagecoach for almost 10 years, will join the Bracknell B52’s Recreational Ice Hockey Team at Hawley Lake, Camberley, on 26 September to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

The team is taking part in memory of Andy “Downsey” Downs, who was a much-loved member of the B52’s and bravely battled an incurable brain tumour for six years.

Andy joined the club in the mid-1990s after coming through the Bracknell youth programme, going on to play for the Bracknell Drones, Bracknell Hornets and Bracknell Bees before joining the B52’s recreational team.

Lorraine said: “Andy was the heart and soul of our team. He was always cracking a joke and livening up the changing room. He was a crucial part of the team and a great friend both on and off the ice.”

Despite his diagnosis, Andy remained determined to return to the sport he loved. In 2023, between treatments, he was able to get back on the ice with the B52’s, playing in several games and even scoring a few goals.

As his condition deteriorated, Andy was eventually unable to play and could only watch the sport he loved. Following a brave and positive battle, he sadly passed away on 4 August.

The B52’s have now come together to honour Andy’s memory by taking on a very different sporting challenge.

“To honour such a great teammate, we decided as a team to compete in the first Dragon Boat Race and raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity,” said Lorraine.

Lorraine has been part of the B52’s since 2007, after meeting her now-husband, Andy, who plays for the team. She plays an important role behind the scenes, running the AV room during games, managing the clock and game sheets, updating the team’s social media and looking after the players as their self-described “club mum”.

“We are a great hockey family and always look out for each other, making sure we have fun on and off the ice,” she said.

Lorraine joined Stagecoach after being made redundant, where she had worked in a variety of roles for 16 years. She saw the opportunity to challenge herself with a new career while continuing to work with customers.

Now, she is bringing her two worlds together for a cause close to her heart.

“We would be so grateful for any support, however small the donation,” said Lorraine. “Please feel free to join us on the day to cheer us on as we tame the dragon for Downsey.”

The Brain Tumour Charity’s Dragon Boat Race takes place on 26 September 2026 at Hawley Lake, Camberley, with the B52’s fundraising to support the charity’s vital work in research, support and campaigning.

To support Lorraine and the Bracknell B52’s fundraising, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lorraine-stainton-4?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=EM