Media Centre

Britain's biggest coach fan prepares for 3,000 mile journey around the UK

3 Aug 2009

One of Britain’s biggest coach fans is embarking on a five day, 3,000 mile tour of the UK with National Express this week to raise funds for the Scottish Society for Autism.

29 year old Kris Baillie will travel to three capital cities and 36 different towns during his 92 hour coach trip. His journey begins on Monday with visits to Edinburgh, Penzance, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Exeter. 

Kris, who has Aspergers syndrome, will travel the length and breadth of Britain throughout the week passing some of the UK’s most famous landmarks including Angel of the North, Edinburgh Castle, Brighton Pier and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

So far Kris, from Kirkcaldy in Scotland, has raised nearly £600 for the Scottish Society for Autism, but hopes to generate even more donations along his journey.

Kris said: “The Scottish Autism Society have offered support and help throughout my life and I arranged this non-stop coach trip to give something back. I think I’m the first person to attempt a five day UK tour by coach, so I’m very excited.

From Monday I’ll be travelling along some of my favourite National Express coach routes and I’ll meet people from all over Britain. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of different people who’ll donate what they can along the way.”

To support his marathon coach ride National Express has created a special Travelcard for Kris, providing unlimited access to their coach network throughout the week. The travel company serves nearly 1,000 towns and cities across the UK by coach daily.

Heather McDonald, Director of Customer Experience for National Express, said:
“As one of our biggest fans we’re delighted to support Kris on his tour of the UK and hope he has a fantastic time touring Britain’s beautiful countryside and tourist attractions by coach.

Kris has chosen his favourite coach routes, taking him across England, Scotland and Wales many times during the week, and National Express staff will be waiting for him as he passes through their coach station. Everyone who has heard this story admires Kris for his enthusiasm to support others. Our staff will be there to give him any help and support he may need.”

For more information about Kris’s journey or to donate visit: www.justgiving.co.uk/kris-baillie

For more information about National Express please visit www.nationalexpress.com

Kris’s itinerary

Monday 3 August:  Edinburgh to Penzance
Tuesday 4 August:  Penzance to London
   London to Swansea
   Swansea to London
Wednesday 5 August: London to Aberdeen
   Aberdeen to Inverness
Thursday 6 August: Inverness to London
   London to Norwich
   Norwich to London
   London to Brighton
   Brighton to London
Friday 7 August: London to Birmingham
   Birmingham to Manchester
   Manchester to Edinburgh

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Carly O’Donnell
Tel: 0121 460 8867
Email: Carly.ODonnell@nationalexpress.com