A MOTHER from Horrabridge has thanked a bus driver and the bus’s passengers after her teenage son had a seizure during a journey between Tavistock and Plymouth.

On January 22, teenager Ben Furse was travelling on the 4.25pm Stagecoach Number 1 bus from Plymouth to Tavistock with his two carers when he was taken ill with an epileptic seizure.

Ben’s carers administered emergency medication but it failed to bring Ben — who has several disabilities including a rare form of epilepsy and global developmental delay — out of the seizure.

Ben’s mother Caroline said: ‘In accordance with Ben’s hospital emergency protocol, the carers had no choice but to call an ambulance. They informed the bus driver who found a safe place to stop the bus, at the Dartmoor Diner car park on Roborough Down, and waited for the ambulance to arrive.

‘The driver then arranged for the other passengers to get on a replacement bus while he waited for the ambulance.

‘I would like to pass on my thanks to the driver and the passengers on the bus for their compassion and understanding during this event.

‘It means so much that people were so understanding as they had places they needed to get to and this would have delayed their journey.’

Caroline said that since his seizure on the bus, Ben has made a full recovery and is back to his cheerful, happy self.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: ‘It is great to hear when one of our staff has gone above and beyond in assisting our customers. We have made sure the driver is aware that his thoughtful actions were much appreciated and we’re delighted to hear that Ben has made a full recovery.’