A GROUP of kindhearted bus drivers are leaving their buses behind to walk from Stourbridge to Dudley bus stations to raise money to buy a special wheelchair for a little toddler.

The drivers from the National Express Pensnett garage are set to complete the sponsored walk on Sunday, November 27 to help raise funds towards a £19,000 adapted wheelchair and standing frame called a Snap Dragon, for two year-old Louie Pumphrey, from Wolverhampton, who has cerebral palsy.

Because of his condition, Louie is unable to walk, but his family are hopeful the powered chair, will give him the same independence as other children his age.

The event has been organised by Louie’s cousin, Daniel Meanock, aged 24, who is a driver on the number 9 route.

He said: “I’ve seen firsthand the struggles he and the family have. This chair would give Louie so much more independence, but it is so expensive as It would be custom made for him, however it would also allow him to stand and enable his legs to be strengthened and straightened.”

The drivers are set to meet at Stourbridge bus station at 11.30am, before making their way to Dudley bus station following the 246 reverse route, “as the uphill nature will make it more challenging”.

To kick off the fundraising, National Express has donated £100 and is also laying on a bus as a support vehicle for the walkers for the duration of the walk.

To donate to Louie’s snap dragon chair appeal visit justgiving.com/Leanne-Pumphrey or search for Louie’s fund on Facebook for more information.