Walking bus gets a boost from student donation

Posted 30 June 2010

Children who take the ‘walking bus’ to school in Edgmond, near Newport, have been awarded prizes thanks to a generous donation of £500 made by the students at Harper Adams University College.

St Peters Church of England Primary School was the latest recipient of money raised throughout the year by students at Harper Adams.

Student Union President, Chris Manley, presented Yvonne Brunger, the ‘bus driver’ with the money.

Mrs Brunger, a parent, started the walking bus with grandparent Jean Lea three years ago.

Every morning, they and other parents, meet the children at Edgmond Cricket Pavilion and they walk to and from the school.

Mrs Brunger said the scheme was run entirely by volunteers and the money donated by the students had enabled them to give every child that participated a gift and the ones who had taken part most regularly throughout the year received special prizes.

She said: “This donation is brilliant and means we have been able to get a little something for the children and the volunteers.

“The walking bus leaves the cricket pavilion every day throughout the school year and there are currently 46 children who are registered to walk with us and the children love doing it.”

Chris, 25, went along with the bus to school today (WED) and saw the children presented with their prizes and enjoy a free cooked breakfast when they arrived safely at school.

He said: “The Raise and Give (RAG) team here at Harper have chosen a lot of local charities and organisations to present the money we have raised throughout the year to.

“Edgmond school is a very important part of the community and it’s great to see the walking bus encouraging the children to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and get out and about.

“They get to socialise on the way to school and learn road safety and it’s great for the parents too who can drop them off and know they will be getting to school on time and safely.

“The children were chuffed to bits when they go their prizes this morning and it was lovely to see.”