Double-decker bus pull event to raise charity cash

You wait for one and then two come along at once, although normally they are not being pulled along by ropes in an epic test of strength and endurance.

The search is on for budding strong men – and women – to get on board a bus pull challenge in the city.

The event, to raise money for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent, will take place at the Lothian Buses depot in Annandale Street in March.

Teams of ten men, or mixed teams of 15 men and women, will race to become the first to pull their 12-tonne double-decker across the finish line.

Hamish Alldridge, CLIC Sargent community fundraising manager for Lothian, Borders and Fife, said: “This is going to be a unique event.

“As far as I am aware, it’s the first time anything like this has been done in Edinburgh.

“I came up with the idea of the bus pull because I thought it sounded fun.

“I hope it’s going to be a popular event. I think it will because it’s something that’s a bit different.”

Mr Alldridge is hoping to get around 20 teams signed up to the event and has already been in talks with the police, firefighters and even women’s rugby teams.

Participants must raise a minimum of £50, plus a £20 registration fee, and it is hoped the event will raise £10,000 for the charity.

“The event is really just a bit of fun, I don’t want anybody thinking it will be really full-on,” said Mr Alldridge, who revealed that the winning team will be presented with a trophy.

“It will all be for such a good cause. Because the event is taking place in Edinburgh, we are going to make sure much of the money raised goes towards our children’s home in Edinburgh, CLIC Villa in Morningside.

“The money will be used to put in place support services for children there.”

The minimum age for participants is 16.

CLIC Sargent offers support during treatment by providing nurses, play specialists and homes from home.

It also provides specialist social care, support in the community and helps survivors and the bereaved.

Ian Craig, managing director of Lothian Buses, said: “We are always delighted to be able to assist charities in their fundraising initiatives.

“The bus pull is certainly a novel way to raise funds, and it will be quite a sight to see two of our double-decker buses being pulled along the depot.

“Lothian Buses will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

For more information on the event, which will be held from 10am on March 3, e-mail [email protected] or call 07968 098939.