Hundreds gathered at Manchester Central on 5th August for the third annual Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity Bus Pull, raising over £30,000 for people experiencing homelessness across the city-region.
The much-anticipated event saw 55 teams of five go head-to-head in a thrilling contest to pull a single-decker bus 30 metres in the fastest time, all in support of the charity’s flagship scheme, A Bed Every Night.
The 2025 Bus Pull set a new record, with the winning team at Metroline completing the course in a lightning-fast 20.06 seconds. Greater Manchester’s community spirit really is stronger than ever!
Crowds enjoyed high-energy entertainment throughout the day, including live DJ sets from XI Records and Manchester DJs, classic fairground games, and complimentary post-pull massages for the teams, courtesy of YOLO Wellbeing.
Junction offered 50% off draft beer and cider to participants who completed the challenge, and Nell’s Pizza provided free slices and ice cream too.
Ellie, one of our DJs, has previously been supported by the Pathfinder project, a programme Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has provided funding for. She said:
“Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity means a lot to me because I have been with Pathfinder for nearly two years and they have helped me when I was homeless…in a toxic household. I’m now finally happy in my own home, doing my music, went to university, and that was all thanks to Pathfinder.”
The Charity had a great representation from some of their trustees, staff, and ambassadors entering teams on the day. Diane Edwards, Olympic runner and Commonwealth medallist, even swopped the track for the buses! Diane said:
“It’s really important for us to support [Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity] because we believe no one should be homeless or no one should be rough sleeping. In a city like Manchester where there’s so much opportunity it just doesn’t make sense. So that’s why we’re here this afternoon supporting the charity.”
Funds raised will help support A Bed Every Night, a life-changing scheme that helps people get away from the streets and back on their feet. More than just a bed, it provides vital wrap-around, person-centred support that lifts and rebuilds people.
We know it works, and Kadijah, a former A Bed Every Night guest, told us:
“I found myself homeless last December. All my friends had nowhere to put me up. It was really cold. [A Bed Every Night] has been home away from home. I don’t feel like I’m somewhere different from my own house. The staff, they’re fantastic.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester and Patron of the Charity, Andy Burnham, attended the event to cheer on teams, and even had a pull himself!
Mayor Andy Burnham said:
“This is Greater Manchester in action. Everyone pulling together, it’s fantastic to see! Thanks to your efforts we have already raised enough funding to support 1000 nights for people who need our support in A Bed Every Night.
No other city-region does what we do. We have a principle here that no one should have to spend a night on the street…where everyone can at least have a roof over their head. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
CEO, Fran Darlington-Pollock said:
“What an incredible day! This year’s Bus Pull was our biggest yet with more teams, more energy, and even more funds raised. I know the final count is looking to hit in at £40k, so watch this space! That’s a huge amount of funding to provide some certainty to the organisations we support in A Bed Every Night. They’re on the frontline of an avoidable crisis which Greater Manchester is pushing against.
This money for Bed Every Night means more people off the streets and on the path to a safe and secure future.
Once again, our city-region has shown what’s possible when we come together. Thank you to everyone who pulled, donated, and supported the event. Together, we can end homelessness.”
A huge thank you to all the organisations across Greater Manchester who made this event possible. Special thanks to our headline sponsors, Willmott Dixon and We Are Footprint, as well as Nell’s Pizza, YOLO Wellbeing, Dishoom, Blue Bee Sneaker Care, AO Arena, XI Records, Manchester DJs, Manchester Central, Diamond, Go North West, First Bus, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
