Neil Atherton, better known as ‘The Bus Walker’ is back on the streets of Liverpool City Region this summer, continuing his mission to support local foodbanks.
Armed with his eye-catching, double-decker-themed shopping trolley, the Arriva bus instructor from Widnes will be walking every weekend throughout the school holidays, following some of the region’s most familiar bus routes.
Neil, who was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2023 New Year Honours, has already raised over £20,000 for national food bank charity The Trussell Trust through previous fundraising efforts. This year, he’s turning his focus closer to home, helping foodbanks across Liverpool City Region.
He’s already made a huge impact in 2024, raising over £6,000 so far, including through a gruelling 50-mile walk in April that took him from Southport to Runcorn, with stops at key depots in Bootle, Green Lane, St Helens, and Speke.
Now, as foodbanks face peak demand during the school holidays, Neil is stepping up again, joined by his custom-made ‘Bus Walker 1’ trolley, ready to be filled with food donations collected along the way.
Neil’s passion for the cause was sparked by a documentary highlighting child food poverty in the north of England, and the challenges families face during the school break when support is often stretched the most.
Neil says:
“As a parent, I believe no child should ever go to bed hungry – yet sadly, this is the reality for many families in our region today.
“I’m just one person with a trolley, but every step I take is about showing people they’re not alone. If you’re able to donate – even just a tin or a pound – it goes a long way.”
Speaking about Neil’s amazing efforts, Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“People like Neil are what make our city region so special.
“Literally going that extra mile, and some, to help those less fortunate should be celebrated – and what a great way to do it, mixing his profession and passion for buses covering some of our best-known routes.
“I’d encourage anyone who can to donate and help support such a worthy cause.”
Neil’s upcoming walking schedule promises to cover significant ground:
- 26 July: Route 79C from Murdishaw to Hough Green
- 9 August: Route 86A from John Lennon Airport to Liverpool
- 16 August: Route 27 Liverpool Circular
- 23 August: Route 12 from Rhyl to Llandudno
- 30 August: Route 10A from St Helens to Liverpool
Several local food banks are rallying behind Neil, with representatives joining him for parts of his journey. These include the St Helens Food Pantry, Widnes Food Bank, New Beginnings Improving Lives, and both North and South branches of the Trussel Trust.
Neil’s incredible year of fundraising will culminate in festive Santa Dashes across the Liverpool City Region and Cheshire, with all proceeds being distributed among the food banks he’s championed along his routes.
You can support Neil’s vital fundraiser and help feed local families by donating online here.
