Open day helps bus company raise £11,700 for Autism charity

AN IMPRESSIVE sum of £11,719.61 has been presented to Autism Berkshire as its year-long partnership with Reading Buses reaches the end of the road, writes Kate Nicholson.

Throughout 2018, Reading Buses – which runs services in Wokingham borough including the Leopards, Lions and Orange bus routes – has been supporting the charity through its Charity of the Year relationship.

Fundraising events included its annual Open Day in June which raised more than £9,000 and a charity skydive by bus driver Darcey Harrington who raised £1,200.

Reading Buses chief executive Robert Williams said: “I am delighted to be able to hand over a cheque for this phenomenal amount.”

He added: “It’s not just about raising money though. Through this partnership we have helped to heighten the awareness of Autism Berkshire around the region through all our activity including the very visible charity bus.”

Williams also said that Reading Buses have ensured its current driver training course teaches staff about the needs of autistic people on a face-to-face basis.

Autism Berkshire’s fundraiser Sarah Brown thanked Reading Buses and said: “All the money raised will help to ensure that we can continue to provide the best possible advice, support and leisure services for autistic people of all ages and their families throughout Berkshire.”