Go North East marks Remembrance Sunday with free travel for veterans and a tribute to it's former military personnel

Go North East is marking Remembrance Sunday on 10 November by offering free travel on all services for veterans and current members of the armed forces. This initiative honours the sacrifices made by service personnel, particularly those veterans now serving their communities as part of the Go North East team.

Many former military personnel play vital roles across the company, and their transition from military to public service is central to Go North East’s Remembrance Day tribute. Among them are four employees whose dedication continues to inspire their work in the bus industry.

Peter Gibson, a former member of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment who served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, and Bosnia, has been with Go North East for 20 years as a Bus Station Supervisor in Sunderland.

Peter said: “I’m proud to have served my country in the military, and now I’m just as proud to serve the people of this region. It means a lot to be appreciated as a veteran by the public, and the free travel initiative this weekend is a great way to show that support.”

For Andrew Heaps, a former RAF serviceman turned driver, Remembrance Day is deeply personal. “We must never forget the sacrifice of those who have served,” says Andrew.

Brian Thompson, a former Royal Regiment of Fusiliers member who served two tours in Iraq, now brings his leadership skills to Go North East as a driver and mentor. “Being a mentor to new drivers gives me a sense of purpose and pride, just as I had in my military career. The free travel initiative is our gesture of appreciation” Brian explains.

Graeme Tatters, a Relief Operations Supervisor in Sunderland and former First Light Infantry member, served three tours in Iraq. “I love guiding new drivers and passing on the values I learned in the service,” Graeme shares.

As part of its Remembrance Sunday tribute, Go North East’s ‘poppy bus’, adorned with poppies and the phrase 'Remembering all who served, sacrificed and changed the world', will take part in the Consett Remembrance Parade. Go North East driver, Alex Goldsmith, will lay a wreath on behalf of the company at the cenotaph.

Ben Maxfield, Business Director, added: “We’re proud to have so many ex-service personnel on our team, and the free travel offer is just one way we show our gratitude.”

ENDS

7 NOVEMBER 2024

Notes to editors

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.

Photography by: Charlotte Graham

Press and media contacts:

Ben Maxfield

Business Director, Go North East

ben.maxfield@gonortheast.co.uk

Telephone: 07890 436531