Jamie Bell, a dedicated Construction Operative within Newcastle City Council’s Void Team, has raised an incredible £70,000 to provide a much-needed wheelchair-accessible minibus for Sir Charles Parsons School in the east end of the city.
Sir Charles Parsons, a secondary school supporting young people with additional needs, had been struggling to replace their aging minibus due to limited funding. Thanks to Jamie’s remarkable fundraising, students will soon enjoy safe, comfortable, and reliable transport to and from school.
Upon seeing the school’s outdated minibus, Jamie asked the driver how much it would cost to purchase a replacement. When told it would be about £60,000 Jamie responded, “Give me a year, and I’ll get you a new one.”
Jamie is a member of the popular local band, The Baldy Holly Band, and set to work to raise funds for the bus with series of performances at various council-run properties, raising an impressive £13,000 in just the first month. Encouraged by the community’s support, Jamie and his band organised additional fundraising shows, bringing in even more funds.
As the fundraising neared its target, Jamie took on one final, extraordinary challenge by cycling the length of the UK from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 10 days. His dedication paid off, raising the final amount needed to reach the goal and purchase the new minibus.
Jamie said: “I’ve been involved with charitable endeavours from a very young age and this latest challenge came about because I saw the dilapidated minibus for a special needs school. The driver explained that they were desperate to replace it but there was not a lot of funding around and I said give me a year and I’ll hopefully get you a new one. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been involved with in my life. To think of the joy that’s going to bring the children for several years, every time I see that bus I’ll feel so proud that I’ve helped to provide it, along with a lot of people who have supported me. This is just the beginning. The school now desperately needs a new sensory room which will cost in the region of £80,000 and I’ve already stared fundraising and I’m thinking of a new challenge I can do for that.”
Andrew Gullon, Senior Learning Support Assistant, Sir Charles Parsons School said: “We are so grateful to Jamie and everyone who supported him. The new minibus will make a huge difference in the lives of our students, giving them reliable transport to school and better access to educational trips and experiences. Jamie’s dedication and the community’s generosity have truly changed lives.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader, Newcastle City Council said: “We would like to thank Jamie for his amazing fundraising efforts to support the students of Sir Charles Parsons with their new minibus. His story is a powerful reminder of how one individual’s efforts, along with the support of friends, family, and the community, can achieve great things. His commitment to fundraising is an inspiration for the city and beyond.”
Jamie’s dedication to community causes has been demonstrated over the last 30 years, having raised more than £1 million for various charities and projects close to his heart.