Robin Bush CEO Autism Together, Rob Jones Managing Director Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, and Sophie Green, pictured with the new bus.
Wirral-based charity Autism Together and Stagecoach have launched a decorated family-friendly bus this week, to help raise money for the charity’s Future 50 Appeal.
Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire donated the bus for the charity to decorate to raise awareness of the appeal. The bespoke bus is now out and about and will be driving around Wirral’s bus routes for up to three years.
The quirky and colourful bus was decorated by local artist Sophie Green. The torsos and legs of fun characters – such as a dinosaur, a surfer and even a unicorn riding a bicycle – are painted onto the side of the bus, with the heads and shoulders of the seated bus passengers appearing to create the top halves.
Robin Bush, CEO of Autism Together, said: “Autism Together has its roots in the heart of the community and it’s fitting to see that a bus which will drive through the communities in which we serve will have our name so vibrantly displayed on it. We are very excited by the partnership with Stagecoach and I love the fun and funky approach that the artist Sophie Green has taken in decorating the vehicle. I hope people will enjoy the design and get behind our campaign.”
The bus has been in circulation for a couple of weeks and has been getting a lot of attention from the public.
Rob Jones, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire managing director said: “We’re so pleased to have partnered with Autism Together on this brilliant project. Our bus has received a lovely makeover with this creative wrap, which will put a smile on people’s faces, bring a splash of colour to Wirral’s roads, and most importantly, raise awareness of the amazing work Autism Together does and help to raise funds for their Future 50 appeal.”
Heather Keeling from Woodchurch, whose son Riley has autism, spotted the bus and said:
“I’ve spotted this fantastic bus around the Woodchurch estate. My son has autism and is determined to ride the purple bus!”
Julie Murton, from Birkenhead, said:
“My son Stewart has autism and absolutely loves the Autism Together bus. He calls it the ‘ooh lalalaa bus’! He has seen it around lots and was very happy to have a ride on the ‘ooh lalalaa bus’ with his dad a couple of weeks ago.”
Autism Together’s Future 50 appeal is raising money to build an autism centre in Wirral. To donate £2 to the charity’s appeal, please text AUTISM to 70722, or visit the website and find out more about the project at: www.autismtogether.co.uk/future50.
