I’vegotmydrivebacknow
A DEVASTATED gran says taking up a new career as a bus driver at the age of 54 has given her a new lease of life.
Thereza Skivington was was left heartbroken by the unexpected death of her beloved brother, Jim, last January.
The 40-year-old father of two young children was struck by Aussie flu, or H3N2 – a virus that proved deadly in his case.
Thereza explained: “It changed my life. I was lost for a good year, he was my baby brother and my rock.”
Due to ill health and her crushing grief gran-of-two Thereza, a former estate agent from Fernhill, Rutherglen, near Glasgow, no longer felt able to continue as a volunteer at a local play scheme.
After undergoing surgery, she decided it was time to get a grip and move on but did not want to return to a desk job.
Thereza said. “I’d always wanted to be a bus driver from when I was a wee girl. Even at 54, I thought, ‘You are a strong, independent woman, go out and do it.’ ”
Inspired by her uncle, who drove coaches around Europe, she attended a First Group women’s recruitment day where she received nothing but encouragement.
Thereza, with the support of trainer Linda McNeish, passed her induction and has now been on the road for seven weeks.
You’ll find her driving passengers who regularly use the 75, 5, 7, 7A, 34 and 34A services between Rutherglen, Castlemilk and the Queen Elizabeth II University Hospital.
“I absolutely love it. It’s the best thing I have ever done,” said the mum of four.
“It is just lovely – I really enjoy driving the No7 because I come from Fernhill and love seeing the people coming on the bus.
“It’s crazy how folk still look at a female bus driver as alien. They always look twice. But I am told by passengers I am a credit to the company and I’ve been told I’m the nicest driver there is.
“Everyone gets a ‘darling’ or ‘sweetheart’ from me and they all get a ‘cheerio’.
“My daughters are over the moon. They say they’ve got their mum back. At the age of 54, I am super proud and so are my grandchildren.”
Thereza believes the brother and father she lost have been behind her on her journey. “I would never have got where I am without my brother being there,” said Thereza.
“Life will never be the same without him but I feel him here with me all the time. I would not have done it without the support of my girls and my dad and my brother being at my back.”
John Gorman, head of operations at First Glasgow, said: “Thereza immediately impressed the team as a potential candidate.
“She has gone from strength to strength and impressed staff and customers alike. Her enthusiasm and customer service skills mean she is a natural for the job.
“Hopefully, she can be a shining example and role model to other women looking to join the industry.”
First Bus is currently recruiting trainee and experienced bus drivers.
There are some great benefits working for First Bus including free bus travel for you and your family, as well as exclusive travel and retail discounts.
You will be automatically enrolled in the pension scheme, which provides free life insurance. Existing PCV Licence holders get a £2300 sign-on bonus (T&Cs apply).
If you are aged 18 or over with a full car licence (with no more than 6 points) and able to work flexible shifts, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends, visit
www.firstglasgow.com/newstart
to check out the opportunities.