London transport drivers today called on commuters to “get on the Comic Relief Bus” this Red Nose Day and support the Standard’s Make Your Hair Funny for Money campaign.
Donning a variety of wigs at Lea Interchange bus garage in Leyton, they urged travellers to “bring a bit of cheer” to their daily journeys on March 13.
Pamela Prescod, 54, from Stratford, who has worked at the garage for 11 years, said: “I call on Londoners to get on the Comic Relief bus and do something with their hair. Bring some fun to our buses and cheer us up.”
Sajjad Sharif, 42, better known as Papa Smurf among colleagues at the company Tower Transit, added: “I like it that Red Nose Day brings the community together. For one day, people from all backgrounds are united in one cause. Charity is really important.”
Mr Sharif, from Ilford, made the headlines two years ago when he drove a woman in labour to Whipps Cross Hospital on his bus.
This Red Nose Day, the Evening Standard’s Dispossessed Fund has joined forces with Comic Relief to raise money for Londoners in poverty.
It is the fourth time the Dispossessed Fund has been a chosen beneficiary of Comic Relief and partner charity Sport Relief, resulting in cash injections of £3 million which have helped fund 203 grassroots projects tackling social exclusion. Comic Relief has pledged to make another substantial donation to the appeal this year.
This week Thorpe Hall primary school in Walthamstow — which raised £1,195 last year for Red Nose Day — kicked off its new fundraising effort, with pupils aged five to 11 painting their faces with the London Underground symbol.
The school is backing the Standard’s campaign, with staff bravely letting pupils decide what hairstyle to wear on March 13. Head Paulette Houghton said: “We thought we should dress up as the Victoria line as it’s our local one.
“We have supported Comic Relief for at least 20 years. Pupils learn about those who are less fortunate and what can be done to help. I would encourage any school to get involved.” For more information visit rednoseday.com/schoolspack.
MORE ABOUT