People are being encouraged to step up and pull one of the region's Bee Network buses as an epic charity challenge returns to the city.

The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is throwing its second Bus Pull event where teams are being tasked to raise money to tackle homelessness across the city region.

Aiming to be bigger and better than the inaugural event last year, teams of five will be taking on the mega feat of pulling the equivalent of two elephants along a gruelling 30 meter course in the hope of raising vital funds for the charity.

With the showdown taking place at Manchester Central on August 22, participants will be eyeing to smash the record time of 1 minute 12 seconds set by Resource Solutions and the £18,000 that was raised by the 26 competing teams.

This year hopes to bring a party atmosphere to the event, with eats and beats for everyone involved, with spectators encouraged to come down and cheer people on.

The charity, having supported numerous schemes such as their flagship A Bed Every Night, have made considerable inroads to tackling homelessness across GM since 2019 and are looking to build on the success of last year’s event to raise vital funds for the cause.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, CEO Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:“We’ve seen record levels of people in temporary accommodation, and we have over 78,000 households facing homelessness in the country. We really need your support to help move the dial on this issue, and this event is a great way to do that.

“Everyone had stacks of fun at least year’s event, but we want to make it even bigger and better. As well pulling one of Manchester’s now famous yellow buses, people can also expect live music, food and drink available. Seeing the amount of people turn out for this event is inspiring and is a great example of local businesses and organisations coming together to challenge one of society’s biggest issues.”

To to take part, people can find more information at www.gmmayorscharity.org.uk/events/bus-pull-2024 or sign up their team at https://tinyurl.com/buspull2024.

Stephen Carr, We Are Footprint Director, said:

“We’re really excited to be sponsoring this year’s Bus Pull event. As a proud ambassador for the charity, it’s great to be able to contribute to their mission in ending homelessness across Greater Manchester.

We all have a role to play in helping end homelessness, and this is a great opportunity to make a dignified contribution to the cause and change people’s lives for the better.”

The event is supported by the Transport for Greater Manchester as well as First and Stagecoach who will be supplying the buses on the day.

Rob Jones, Managing Director for Stagecoach Manchester, said:

“Stagecoach are looking forward to supporting the event and helping raise funds for vital causes in Greater Manchester”

Paul Townley, General Manager of First Bus in Rochdale, said:

“When we got the call from the team there was no hesitation in agreeing to supply a bus for this fundraising event.

It’s one of those challenges that captures the imagination because it’s simple and great fun. Everyone fancies a go at driving a bus and I’m sure pulling one is on many people’s list of things to try!

The money raised has a real impact in supporting the Manchester community and we are delighted to be part of it.”

Lori Hoinkes, CEO at Manchester Central, said.

"The Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity supports vital services to the city-region and we are both humbled and privileged to host one of the most important events in its calendar here at Manchester Central.

It is a great day out for the family and for those taking part, and although I never dreamt I'd be pulling a bus in my first few months as CEO, it's definitely something I am considering trying!"

With various sponsorship opportunities still up for grabs, businesses are being encouraged to get in touch with the team directly at events@gmmayorscharity.org.uk. If you’d like to take part, people can find more information at www.gmmayorscharity.org.uk/events/bus-pull-2024 or sign up their team at https://tinyurl.com/buspull2024.

ENDS