Bus drivers swap wheels for boots in gruelling Devon charity hike

A team of dedicated bus drivers from Torbay, Torquay, and Exeter have swapped steering wheels for hiking boots to raise money for a worthy cause.

The Famous Five conquered the challenging Devon Heli Hike along the South West Coast Path to raise £765.73 for the Devon Air Ambulance – a vital service that is 100 per cent funded by donations.

The team included Brooke Taylor-Smith (Torquay), Ryan Burnitt (Torbay), Mark Clifford (Torbay), Karl Runciman (Torbay), and Scott McMillan (Exeter). 

The challenge began when Mark Clifford spotted posters advertising the event, prompting Brooke – a Health and Wellbeing Champion – to rally colleagues to take part.

The Heli Hike, held in Plymouth, offered two punishing route options:

• 14 miles with a 1,884ft elevation gain, completed by Brooke, Ryan, and Scott.

• 26 miles with a 3,490ft elevation gain, tackled by Mark and Karl.

The terrain proved as tough as promised, with steep gradients, hilly coastal paths, river crossings, and narrow trails – but the spectacular sea views provided a welcome reward.

Donations poured in via personal online fundraising pages, sponsorship forms at Torquay and Paignton depots, and contributions from friends, family, colleagues, and Torbay Operations Manager Jay Clark. In total, the team raised an impressive £765.73.

“We all felt such a sense of achievement when we crossed the finish line,” said Brooke Taylor-Smith. “It was physically demanding, but pushing through the pain and mental barriers was worth it to support a charity that plays such a vital role in our community.”

Scott set a blistering pace to finish first, followed by Brooke and Ryan, with Mark and Karl crossing the line later after completing the longer route. All five proudly received their certificates and medals together.