Wildlife rescue centre helped by bus firm charity football match

An animal rescue centre serving Swindon is better off thanks to bus firm Stagecoach.

RSPCA Oak & Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre was among four charities helped after the firm hosted a charity football match - which was won by a team from Swindon and raised a total of £1,782.

The knockout tournament, which saw teams from Cheltenham, Gloucester, Oxford, Swindon and other areas in the Stagecoach West region battle it out on the football pitch, was held at Cirencester RFC in front of a crowd of colleagues, friends and families. 

The event was just one of a range of fundraising events planned throughout the year to raise money for four charities chosen to represent the geographical operating areas of the company.

Swindon triumphed overall, winning all three deciding matches, scoring seven goals in total and drawing in the final against Oxford.

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We were delighted with the turnout and the excellent prowess on the football pitch!  It was a hard-fought tournament with each team giving it their all.  Congratulations to our Swindon team for scooping the winners’ trophy at this years’ event.

“Our teams all work incredibly hard so it was really great to see everyone coming together and enjoying themselves, whilst raising much needed funds for this year’s chosen charities.  Thanks to all involved for taking the time to organise such a fun and worthwhile event.”

In addition to Oak & Furrows, the tournament helped Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, Teckels Animal Sanctuary in Gloucestershire and Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.