Amputee’s Journey Interrupted by Burglary During Charity Bus Pass Challenge

Barry Mackleston, a 72-year-old amputee from Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, is determined to finish his charity-driven bus pass challenge after his home was broken into during the trip. The journey, which began on Tuesday from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall, is part of a seven-day effort to raise funds for his local rugby club. As a former transport worker, Barry uses his bus pass to cover the 1,200-mile (1,931km) route, aiming to improve the club’s facilities after a life-altering accident five years ago.

The break-in forced Barry to take a detour, halting his progress for a day. He returned home after four days of travel to assess the damage, discovering £450 in cash and various other items had been stolen. Despite the setback, Barry remains committed, stating, “The challenge cannot fail—we have got to get to Land’s End.” He praised the support from Greater Manchester Police and his friends, though admitted feeling “devastated” by the incident.

Barry’s fundraising efforts have a personal connection. In 2025, he completed a similar bus-only journey from Manchester to London, raising over £1,500 to benefit Wythenshawe Community Rugby Club. This time, all funds collected will again support the club, where he has volunteered since losing his leg. He emphasized the club’s profound impact on his mental health, calling its role in his recovery “beyond words.”

Speaking to Radio Manchester from the first stop in Orkney, Barry shared his motivation: “I was in a coma for a long time, and when I woke up, everything changed. Rugby kind of brought me back into the world again.” He also revealed the club’s ongoing struggles, including difficulties securing council support to relocate to better premises. “The premises we have are not good—the floor’s falling out, things don’t work, and we’ve been rebuffed every time,” he said. “This challenge is about raising money for the kids, ensuring we can make the hub better for them.”

“I can’t see the club die, and that’s where we’re going with this if we don’t get the work done that we need to get done.”

Barry plans to resume his journey on Saturday, vowing to pick up where he left off. His current focus is on keeping the club operational and completing the necessary upgrades. He concluded by highlighting the importance of the challenge: “It’s just making sure the club has enough money to function and that we actually get the job done.”

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