No.12 • October 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DOUBLE DECKS TO REPLACE ARTICULATED BUSES
BYE BYE TO BENDY BUS G O-AHEAD LONDON is to phase out the last of the articulated buses from their routes by the end of November. TfL terminated the contracts on the three remaining Go-Ahead routes that still used the bendy buses and decided to replace these with double deck buses. Boris Johnson pledged to withdraw the buses from the capital as part of his 2008 Mayoral campaign and they should be phased out completely by the end of this year. Route 12, which runs from Dulwich to Oxford Circus, will cease to use bendy buses from
November 5. Route 436, which runs from Lewisham to Paddington, will use double deck buses from November 19 while Route 453, from Deptford to Marylebone, converted on September 24. Martin Bamford, assistant tendering manager, said: “Articulated buses were able to carry more passengers so more double deck buses will be needed to carry the same number of passengers.” The double deck buses will need to be run at a higher frequency than that of the bendy bus to suit passenger capacity. An additional 24 double deck buses will be required across all three routes.
All the hard work pays off...
New routes off to smooth start WITH the joy of winning new work comes the hard work in implementing it – something employees at Blue Triangle and Docklands can tell you all about. Go-Ahead London recently bid successfully on seven new contracts, five of which are already up and running. Routes D6, from Hackney to Isle of Dogs, D7, from Mile End to Poplar, D8, from Isle of Dogs to Stratford City, 276, from Stoke Newington Common to Newham Hospital and 376, from Beckton to East Ham, all began running under the Go-Ahead banner from September 17. The successful Blue Triangle team.
n Continued on page 2
GET CREATIVE FOR CHRISTMAS IN OUR COMPETITION p6
CRAIG WINS 500 CHALLENGE: p3
FOOTY SUCCESS FOR SCOTT: p6
EVERTON TAKES CONTROL: p6
INSIDE: TENDER WINS SECURE FUTURE FOR MANDELA WAY p4-5
New routes off to smooth start n Continued from page 1
From March 24 2012 Go-Ahead London will also take over running of Route 20, from Walthamstow Central Station to Debden Station and Route 462, from Ilford to Hainault. Docklands has been tasked with the running of routes D6, D7, D8 and 276 while Blue Triangle has taken on the 376, 20 and 462, with route 300 also transferred over from Docklands. Docklands took delivery of 71 Enviro200 buses for use on the new routes, while Blue Triangle had 20 new vehicles delivered. “I am so very proud of the two garage teams of
staff,” said Blue Triangle and Docklands general manager Nigel Wood. “This has been our biggest challenge in the East and every department has had to do a lot of preparation before the work came in. “To their credit the hard work has paid off with a near faultless changeover.” Pictured above is the Docklands team, from left, Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Ayaz, Ian McNally, Rob Moffat, Brad Campbell, Dean Reece, Thomas Scott-Brown, Harvey Digpal, Garry Holloway and Ted Dalton.
YOUR CHANCE TO MEET THE DIRECTORS A SERIES of open forums are being held to allow all staff to discuss company issues with directors. The launch and first meeting was held on September 13 at Stockwell with operations director David Cutts in the hot seat to answer questions. Another meeting took place at Camberwell on September 20, this time with managing director John Trayner attending. Posters have been displayed in garages to keep employees up to date with when the forums will be held and to encourage anyone with questions regarding the business to get involved. The next meeting will be held at Waterloo on October 19 with David Cutts in attendance. Another forum will be held on October 20 at Putney with John Trayner. “The response has been great so far. There were a lot of questions and queries to be answered,” said communications manager Sheldon Malcolm. “Issues such as car parking, how the garage is run, routes, timetables and rotas were all discussed during the forums. “I think the meetings are a great opportunity for staff to discuss different aspects of the company with the directors and I hope to see more people attend in the future.”
Go-Green goes online NEW ENVIRONMENTAL WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED
GO-GREEN has launched a website to keep people informed of the latest environmental issues. The website launched on September 1 and, from the end of October, will contain a section specifically for Go-Ahead London drivers. Every driver will be able to log on to the website using their username and password and view their green driving and Telematics performance records. A special competition was run challenging visitors to find a golden pump hidden on the website for the chance to win a prize. “We were very pleased to get more than 1,000 hits in the first week,” said business development manager Frank Thorpe. “We hope to see those numbers continue to rise as the website is not only informative but is also going to have a section specifically for drivers, which I think is a great idea.” If you want to spend some time looking through the Go-Green website yourself just log on to www.go-green-london.com. 2
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Craig is the ec king Managing director John Trayner congratulates Craig Honeyman.
BELEVEDERE driver Craig Honeyman has driven off with a brand new Fiat 500 after being crowned winner of this year’s 500 challenge. Craig beat off 19 other competitors to be declared the most eco-friendly driver. The top 20 performing Go-Green drivers participated in the event held at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. The contestants were determined through analysis of Telematics results from January to August and are those that drive in the most eco-friendly way. Craig, who has been at Belvedere garage since January, said: “It’s definitely important to drive economically. It makes sense and it’s something that I try to do all the time. I don’t just drive that way when I’m working. “I am constantly watching my performance
and comparing myself to other drivers.” The contestants were subjected to a series of difficult challenges that tested their driving skills and were designed to find the person who drives in the most fuel efficient way. Despite the difficulty of the challenges, Craig was announced as the overall victor. He said: “What a fantastic result! I am quite competitive and I set my sights on winning so I was quite confident. “Everyone drove to the best
of their ability and all were supportive when I won.” Coming in second was Delroy Bhola from Camberwell, who won £500, and Victor Williams from Putney came third and received £250. There was also a fun element to the day. The trials car competition was won by Hubert Czajczynski from Mandela Way and the blindfold drive was won by the dynamic pairing of driver John Abad from Stockwell and navigator Delroy Bhola. You can find out more information and watch a video about the Fiat 500 challenge at the Go-Green website, www.go-greenlondon.com.
The event included some fun challenges, such as the trials car. From left Andrew Stemp, Diego Zuleta-Restrepo, Oliver Whylie, Andrew Sharkey, Victor Williams and Simona Talmantaite.
Merton pioneers online system
Driver Dave Grundill uses the new internet facility.
INTERNET kiosks have been installed at Merton allowing drivers and other employees easy access to a computer during their breaks. The trial scheme, which started on September 1, involves one kiosk being placed in the canteen and one placed in the output. Communications manager Sheldon Malcolm hopes the new kiosks will inspire colleagues to spend some time finding out a little bit more about Go-Ahead.
“I think it’s a very good idea as it gives everyone the chance to check their emails, look at the Go-Green website or find out about other areas of the business,” said Sheldon. “While we have only had the trial kiosks in use for a relatively small amount of time, I hope many people will find them a useful addition to garage life. “If this initiative proves a success then we will look at rolling them out to other garages in the future.” BusTalk l October 2011
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GARAGE FUTURE SECURED AFTER TENDER WINS ADD THREE NE
Sighs of relief at Man
In our Face 2 Face column, we chat to Brad Campbell, a senior garage administrator at Docklands. We ask Brad 10 light-hearted questions. Q: How would you spend your perfect day? A: Watching my favourite football team West Ham United. Q: What is your favourite movie? A: I’ve got quite a few, but probably Man on Fire. Q: If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? A: I would spend it having fun. Q: What is your first memory? A: My first day at infant’s school. Q: What is your most treasured possession? A: At the moment it’s my West Ham season ticket! Q: What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? A: Rum ‘n’ raisin. Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time? A: Whatever I’m doing, I will continue to work hard and continue to do a good job.
MANDELA WAY garage is to remain open thanks to the securing of three new contracts. Go-Ahead London had originally intended to close the site in September following the loss of the 133 route (London Bridge to Streatham) to Arriva London. This route was responsible for around 50 per cent of Mandela Way garage’s work. Former general manager of Mandela Way Colin Opher, who is now based at Stockwell, Putney and Waterside Way, said: “It put a question mark over costs that had to be reviewed. “One way to overcome these costs was to close the depot.” However, Go-Ahead London has recently managed to successfully win three major new tenders across London. This has allowed a re-distribution of the work throughout the garages and has enabled Mandela Way garage to remain open. The new routes won are the 19 route, from Battersea Bridge Southside to Finsbury Park, the 249 route, from Anerley to Clapham Common and the 493 route, from Tooting St George’s Hospital to Richmond Manor Park.
“We’ve gone through a difficult period,” said Colin. “So winning these routes is really good news for everyone.” Negotiations are on-going with Westminster Council to secure a new lease on the premises and Go-Ahead is confident of reaching an agreement.
Driving trio takes on the nation’s best GO-AHEAD London was well represented at this year’s national Bus Driver of the Year final held on September 11. More than 100 competitors from across the country battled it out to be crowned bus driver of the year in Blackpool. Afonso Carvalho, from Waterside Way, Stephen Appiah, from Merton, and Glen Keane, from Bexleyheath, all participated in the competition. Afonso was the second highest placed of all
London drivers and won the London Buses shield as well as a cheque for £250. He said: “I am very pleased to win my award and to represent the company that I work for. I am very glad I went that far in the competition. “I always do my best in my job and I am looking forward to entering the event next year.” This was the first time all three of the candidates had entered the competition.
Go-Ahead supports local scout group
Q: Describe yourself in three words. A: Passionate, organised (ish!) and loveable. Q: Which historical figure do you most admire? A: Che Guevara. Q: What do you enjoy most about working for Go-Ahead London? A: The daily challenge the job brings. 4
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CAMBERWELL training school came up trumps for the Lewisham North scouts this September. The training school was able to loan the scout troop a van to
transport a number of bikes to complete their annual cycle cross competition on September 25. Without Camberwell’s help many of the scouts would not
have been able to take part in the competition. The children enjoyed their day thoroughly, and would like to thank Go-Ahead London for its support.
EW ROUTES TO OUR SERVICE
ndela Way Some 100 members of staff who would have been sent to other depots on the closure of Mandela Way can now remain in the garage. “I’m very, very pleased. It is very good news for the company,” added Colin.
Staff at Mandela Way celebrate the good news.
Helping to keep London on the move
COUNTLESS Go-Ahead London employees went above and beyond the call of duty during the week of civil unrest during August. On the night of August 9 and on subsequent nights, the capital was hit by rioting and looting, which spread throughout the country. Go-Ahead London staff showed the highest levels of bravery and professionalism and the majority of bus services remained in operation despite the troubles. The main priority for the company was the safety of its drivers and passengers and many people worked extra hours and performed acts of heroism to ensure this. Just a few to be commended are Camberwell driver Kevin Salter, who was injured after his bus came under attack and a corner of a flagstone smashed his window and hit him in the face. After being treated in hospital, he offered to continue with his duty. Bexleyheath driver Colin Bruce got all his passengers to safety after his bus was attacked by youths wielding hammers and other weapons.
Ayse is relishing her new role AYSE Hodgkinson has joined Go-Ahead London as the new service operations manager. Ayse said: “It’s great to be here. Everyone has been so welcoming. I am enjoying getting stuck into the job and excited about the opportunities ahead.” Ayse previously worked as business liaison manager for Transport for London where she was instrumental in the development of the electronic mileage system – MTV as well as iBus.
Ayse joined Go-Ahead London on August 1 and reports directly to Gill Tynan general manager for service performance. Gill said: “Ayse has a wealth of transport experience as well as a real grasp on how technology can improve our performance. I am delighted to welcome her to our team. “Initially, Ayse will be reviewing the company’s use of technology to ensure that it is at the forefront of service delivery Ayse Hodgkinson. to passengers.”
Correct iBus login is vitally important IBUS iBus data is extremely important in measuring the performance of a bus route, which is why it is vital that the driver’s iBus MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) is logged in correctly. Data collected from iBus is now being used to verify what mileage has been operated and as a collection method for QSI observations. If drivers do not log on to the iBus system correctly then vehicle data will not be collected or maybe collected incorrectly. To ensure that the iBus data is correct and that a bus is recorded as operated drivers must ensure that at the start of a trip, after they have logged their RTM/MDT in correctly, they must open and close the bus doors at the start of
each trip. If this process is not followed the bus data will be missing and it will impact on the results of the route. There have been instances where there is a problem with the link between the ticket machine and MDT and login has failed. If this happens drivers must log into the MDT mobile data terminal manually and should always check their mobile data terminal before the start of any trip. If unsure of how to login manually, drivers should refer to the iBus quick reference guide or alternatively ask at the garage for instructions. Manual logins must always be reported to the appropriate iBus controller as well.
Tender news
from across London
• First London West has won the contract to operate Route 206. The company will take over the route from Metroline on April 28, 2012. New single deck buses (10 PVR) will run from Kilburn Park Station to St. Raphael’s. • First London West will take over the running of Route 266 (Brent Cross – Hammersmith) from Metroline on May 19, 2012. New double deck buses (25 PVR) will run on the service. • Quality Line is gaining Route 465 from Metrobus from June 30, 2012. The service runs between Kingston and Dorking. New buses will run on this service (6 PVR). • From April 28, 2012 Abellio will take over the running of Route C2 from Metroline. This route goes from Victoria to Parliament Hill Fields and will use new double deck buses (18 PVR). • Abellio has also won a contract from Metrobus to take over the running of Route T33 (West Croydon – Addington Village) from May 19, 2012. New single deck buses (10 PVR) will run on the service. • Quality Line has also gained Route X26, running from East Croydon to Heathrow Airport, from Metrobus. The company will take over the route from April 14, 2012. New single deck buses (9 PVR) will run on the service. • Metroline has lost the contract for Route 70 to First London West. The contract changes hands on 23 June, 2012 and runs between South Kensington and Acton. • Route 120 (Hounslow – Northolt) has been retained by London United who will use a mix of 16 new and existing double decks for the new contract which starts on June 23, 2012. • Route 211 (Waterloo – Hammersmith) has been retained by Abellio, which will introduce a mix of 19 new diesel and hybrid buses on the route from June 30, 2012. • School route 613, which runs in the Sutton area, has been retained by London United for five years from July 28, 2012 using an existing double deck bus. BusTalk l October 2011
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DRIVER’S COURAGE AND CALMNESS AT ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT COMMENDED BY TfL
Quick-thinking Everton A NEW CROSS driver has been commended for his quick-thinking actions during an accident at Camberwell New Road. Everton Grant was witness to a traffic collision involving two motorcyclists, which happened in front of his bus on August 30. One of the motorcyclists was lying in the road, very badly injured and unable to move.
Everton Grant.
Everton, who has worked as a driver out of New Cross garage for 18 years, shielded the injured man with his bus, blocking the road and protecting the motorcyclist. He then made sure the traffic kept on moving around the crash site. “I took control of the traffic and made sure it kept flowing,” said Everton. “I had to make sure it was clear.” Everton managed to control the traffic until police and the ambulance service arrived. Everton said: “The police came along and saw what I was doing. They were in no hurry to take over!” Although the road was eventually closed by police, Everton’s brave actions caused minimal disruption to the service, customers or other road users. He was observed by Transport for London via a CCTV link and was commended by the CentreComm operating manager. Everton was modest about the part he played in the incident and said that his reaction was automatic and instinctive. “I had to take control of the situation and make it bearable for all those involved,” he said. “I don’t panic. It just makes things worse!”
Get creative
GO-AHEAD London is inviting colleagues to get creative this winter and design an electronic Christmas greeting for 2011. The competition is open to all staff and their families. Go-Ahead London has used still life and London scenes in the past and, more recently, snow scenes. Paper and electronic cards from previous year’s can be seen at www. go-green-london.com. Now it is time for an original drawing or cartoon, which depicts an element of company life at Christmas. It also needs to contain the message ‘Season’s Greetings from the Directors and Staff at Go-Ahead London.’ The lucky winner will receive acknowledgement on the card and win £100 worth of vouchers. The closing date for this competition is November 15, 2011 and entries can be sent to Valerie Clark by mail at Go-Ahead London, 18 Merton High Street, London, SW19 1DN, enclosing your full contact details. Alternatively, email your entry to valerie. clark@go-ahead-london.com.
Belvedere triumphant but charities are the winner GO-AHEAD London was joined by its German counterparts for a fivea-side football tournament to raise money for charity. Three teams, made up of bus drivers from Baden-Baden, joined squads from Peckham, Stockwell, Merton, Belvedere, Sutton, Putney and New Cross in the competition held on September 17. The tournament, held at Goals Soccer Centre in North Cheam, led to a nail biting final between Belvedere and Peckham, resulting in a 7-6 win for Belvedere. All players paid £10 as an entry fee and there was also a raffle on the day. More than £1,400 was raised, including more than £300 from the teams from Baden-Baden, to be split between First Touch, a charity for the neonatal unit at St. George’s Hospital
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Merton driver Scott Horney, the five-a-side organiser.
in Tooting, and Macmillan Nurses. Merton driver Scott Horney, who organised the competition, said: “My daughters were born prematurely and it’s a way to say thank you to First Touch as my daughters had to stay in hospital for many weeks. “Macmillan Nurses are also close to all our hearts. Some of our drivers have suffered from cancer.” Scott’s wife Danielle baked 100 cupcakes and sold them on the day. Donations were also given for the raffle that included top prizes of a television and a Wii console. Merton sports and social club was also generous with its donations. “It was a fantastic day,” said Scott. “It was all worth it because of the money we raised. We will be looking to do another charity tournament next year for both of these good causes.”
John’s 40 and out !
AFTER 40 years of service with London Transport and Go-Ahead London and having made many friends along the way, John Lewis is to retire on October 21. John, tendering manager for Go-Ahead London, already has a lot on his plate ready for when he finishes and is looking forward to having a bit more free time on his hands. “I’ve just achieved 40 years’ service and that seemed like an appropriate time to call it a day,” said John. “I plan to spend my time walking, travelling and getting more involved in the cricket. “I support Middlesex but I also score for my local side so I am looking forward to doing that more often. “Not only will I miss coming to work every day but I will also miss all the people I have had the pleasure of meeting during my time with the company.”
COMMENDATIONS
John Lewis.
Bill says farewell after 42 years on the buses FRIENDS and colleagues recently said goodbye to Bill Roberts who retired on September 16 after 17 years with Go-Ahead. Bill originally started working as a bus conductor in Halifax in 1969 and, after numerous other jobs in the industry, finished his career as general manager at Camberwell. There are many things Bill says he will miss about the job – the people he worked with being a particular career highlight. “Of course, I loved the job but it’s really the people I will miss,” said Bill. “There are some amazing people at the company and I have made a lot of really good friends.” Bill certainly doesn’t think he will have any problems deciding how to spend his free time either. “Since 2005 I have been sitting in on employment tribunals so I would definitely like to get into that area a
Paul’s fond memories
Paul Broomhall.
bit more,” he said. “I am into model railways as well and I’m currently building something new. I also have two children who I hope to spend more time with.”
Bill Roberts. SUTTON employees are missing a muchvalued member of the team since one of their long serving drivers retired. Paul Broomhall had notched up an impressive 41 years of service when he retired on August 27. He started his career at Sutton garage in 1965 as a conductor, a position he enjoyed for more than three years before taking on the role of driver. Apart from spending six months in Canada in the late 1960s, Paul has been driving buses out of Sutton garage ever since. Paul has fond memories of his time both as a driver and as a conductor. “When you’ve been on the buses for as long as I have you see kids grow up,” he said. “And you see them later on with their own children.” Paul plans to spend his retirement putting his feet up in his newly-bought caravan in Selsey, near Chichester, with his family.
BEXLEYHEATH n A DISABLED passenger wrote to thank Jim Himsworth ‘from the bottom of her heart’ for waiting for her at the bus stop and offering to move closer to the kerb so she could board the bus easier. n MS MOTHOBI says that Simon Jones should be used as ‘an example to other bus drivers’ as he let down the ramp for her to use without having to be asked. BLUE TRIANGLE n MRS FAINT has praised the kindness of Mohammed Nadeem as well as the efficient and calm manner in which he dealt with troublesome passengers. CAMBERWELL n AN IMPRESSED elderly customer praised Khalid Laaroussi for his ‘high sense of duty of care’ when the customer was without a seat on a crowded bus. n MISS PETRIE has commended Tyrone Longville for his helpfulness and accuracy of information in her continuing journey. MANDELA WAY n A DELIGHTED customer has thanked Ben Woodroffe for his politeness and helpfulness in helping her with directions in an unfamiliar city. MERTON n RAMEESE AHMAD has been commended by a customer for his positive attitude and respect when dealing with a passenger with learning difficulties. PECKHAM n A RELIEVED Ms Areoye has written to thank Akwasi Tonto for locating her missing shopping bag and arranging for it to be returned to her. n PETER SLAPAK went ‘above and beyond his call of duty’ to return a customer’s Blackberry to him. The customer was both humbled and impressed by Peter’s attitude. STOCKWELL n A GRATEFUL passenger has thanked Wayne Walker for waiting so she could retrieve her shopping. Ms White said that actions such as this restored her faith in human nature.
New buses for Merton route Route 280 has been successfully retained by Merton garage, with 14 new double deck buses expected from July 21, 2012. The route runs between Tooting, St George’s Hospital and Belmont Station.
Congratulations! New Cross colleagues send their heartiest congratulations to driver Ebrima Jawo on the birth of Muhamad Lamin Jawo on September 23. Muhamad Lamin weighed in at 6lb 1oz.
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Rizwan reaches new peaks for charity A DOCKLANDS driver has completed the demanding Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Muslim Aid. Rizwan Asghar completed the challenge, which involves climbing the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales – Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon in 24 hours from June 26 to 27. Rizwan, who has worked for Go-Ahead London for 18 months, said: “It was gruelling and difficult but we made it in the end. “I couldn’t walk for a few days after.” Rizwan raised more than
£1,000 for the Londonbased charity Muslim Aid, which provides monetary aid for a myriad of different causes. The money he raised through sponsorship for the completion of the Three Peaks will go towards water projects in Africa. Rizwan received a number of sponsorships from colleagues, as well as his friends and family, and he wishes to continue fundraising for good causes. “It was a good experience,” he said. “I would like to do it again.”
OBITUARIES BOB LONGLEY A WELLLOVED Merton driver sadly passed away on September 24. Bob Longley worked for the company for 16 years and was well known on several of Merton’s routes. As well as taking on his duties as a driver, Bob was also the secretary of the Merton sports and social club for many years. Bob was popular among his friends and colleagues at Merton garage and will be missed by all. His funeral was held on October 7.
ANN CLARK COLLEAGUES have paid their respects to Ann Clark who died on August 20 after a long illness. She had been a driver at Sutton for more than nine years. Her funeral was held at St John the Baptist Church in Purley. Operating manager Mark Cambridge said: “Ann was much loved and respected. She was well known for her warm smile and 8
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generous nature and will be missed by all who knew her.” Ann is survived by her mother and fiancé.
CARLTON HENRY
BUS TALK is sad to report the passing away of Merton driver Carlton Henry on July 22. Carlton had worked for the company for 23 years. A bus from Merton and Stockwell (where he also worked) took colleagues to his funeral on August 5 at The Refuge Temple in Streatham. Operating manager Hannah Self said: “He will be sadly missed by all at Merton garage.”
CARLTON JONES
EMPLOYEES at Peckham garage are mourning the recent passing away of their friend and colleague Carlton Jones. A large number of his colleagues attended the funeral, which was held on September 8 at St Philip’s Church in Norbury. Carlton had worked for the company for 19 years as a driver and also previously as an instructor. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Docklands driver Rizwan Asghar takes a rest.
Hannah’s selfless acts of charity WHEN a half marathon alone just isn’t enough you could always follow Hannah Self’s lead and decide to run a 10mile race as well. Hannah, operations manager for Merton, is running both the Great North and Great South runs this year to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The Great North Run took place on September 18, and consisted of a half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields. The Great South run takes place on October 30 and consists of a 10-mile run in Portsmouth. “I have done both races individually before,” said Hannah. “This year, however, it’s the eightieth anniversary of Guide Dogs for the Blind so I wanted to do something
special for them. “I have become friends with many representatives from Guide Dogs for the Blind and really appreciate the hard work the charity does. “The first run was definitely hard but I think I’ve now got into the swing of it so hopefully the second run should be easier!”
Hannah Self.
Published by Go-Ahead London. Produced by Ruxley Communications, Walton-on-Thames. Printed by Evolve Print Solutions, Rickmansworth.