Stagecoach employee and family fundraise for The Brain Tumour Charity through Boxing Day dip in Eastbourne
Eveline Roberts, Training Officer at Stagecoach South East, and her family have raised £200 for The Brain Tumour Charity after taking part in the Boxing Day Dip in Eastbourne, inspired by her son’s experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 21.
Billy, now 24, was diagnosed three years ago after suffering a seizure while driving his lorry. As an HGV driver, the diagnosis resulted in the loss of his licence for ten years, forcing him to pause the career he had been working towards since childhood and reassess his priorities at a young age.
Determined to give back and support others facing similar challenges, Billy has actively fundraised for The Brain Tumour Charity. Earlier this year, he raised more than £300 by shaving his head. He then set his sights on a new challenge, the Boxing Day Dip in Eastbourne, and invited his mum to join him.
She agreed on one condition, if sharing Billy’s JustGiving page raised more than £100, she would take part. The target was quickly exceeded. With fancy dress encouraged, she dressed as a bus driver in recognition of her career at Stagecoach, while her partner joined them dressed as a bricklayer.
The family braved the cold sea on Boxing Day, supported by donations from friends, family, and colleagues. Many Stagecoach colleagues contributed anonymously.
Eveline has been with the Stagecoach South East for 11 years, beginning her career as a bus driver in Hastings. In October 2022, she was selected as a relief Classroom Trainer for Stagecoach South East before becoming a full-time Training Officer based in Eastbourne in September 2023. She has recently completed a three-month secondment with Stagecoach’s Central Training Team, delivering Mentor, Induction, and Post-Test courses to trainers in the Midlands.
She spoke warmly about the support she and her son have received from Stagecoach colleagues throughout a difficult period, describing the organisation as her “safe place” during times of personal hardship. Billy himself worked as a bus cleaner in Hastings at the age of 17, and many colleagues already knew him and were keen to show their support.
Eveline said: "When Billy was diagnosed, it felt like everything in our lives was turned upside down. The support from colleagues in Hastings and Eastbourne, and across the business, has meant more to us than I can ever put into words. Knowing how many people supported Billy, helped keep us going and turned a daunting challenge into something really positive.”
The family has thanked everyone who donated, shared the fundraising page, or offered encouragement, helping turn a challenging experience into a positive and meaningful fundraising achievement.