A Merseyside bus worker whose fundraising walks have raised more than £31,000 for food banks has been honoured with a handmade postbox topper celebrating his achievements.
Neil Atherton, Arriva Merseyside’s Social Values Coordinator and better known to many as the “Bus Walker”, was delighted to discover the unique tribute created by local crochet group the Southport Hookers.
The colourful topper has been placed on a postbox along the same Southport bus route Neil famously walked as part of his fundraising efforts.
It includes a replica of the shopping trolley he pushed during many of his charity challenges, alongside references to the bus route that helped inspire his fundraising journey.
Neil began raising money during the Covid pandemic after becoming increasingly concerned about the number of children and families relying on food banks during the school holidays.
His first major challenge saw him complete a 150-mile walk in Runcorn, raising thousands of pounds for local food banks.
Inspired by its success, Neil returned with increasingly ambitious challenges, walking routes across Arriva regions including Wales, Yorkshire, London and the Midlands.
His fundraising feats have included walking 50 miles in a single day, completing daily walks throughout December and taking part in numerous community events alongside colleagues, friends and family.
Together, the challenges have now helped raise more than £31,000 for food banks and families facing hardship.
Neil said:
“The walks started as a way of helping local food banks, but they quickly became a community effort. Together, we’ve raised more than £31,000 and supported families facing hardship.
“Seeing the postbox topper was a complete surprise. It’s a wonderful tribute and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and the difference we’ve been able to make.”
Neil has credited much of the fundraising success to the support he has received from those around him, including Arriva colleagues, friends and family members who have joined him during his challenges over the years.
The Southport postbox topper has already become a talking point among local residents and provides a fitting tribute to Neil’s determination and long-running commitment to supporting communities across the region.
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