Press release -
Go North East Santa Bus returns for 2024, supporting children with cancer
Go North East’s much-loved Santa Bus is back for 2024, ready to spread festive cheer and raise vital funds for Children’s Cancer North, a charity dedicated to supporting young cancer patients and their families.
Starting from Monday 9 December, the open-top Santa Bus, decked out with a glittering display of Christmas lights, will travel through North and South Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham over ten magical evenings.
In previous years, thousands of families have lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves bringing Christmas joy from the bus’ top deck.
Children’s Cancer North is dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer across the North East and Cumbria. Volunteers from the charity will join the festive crew on the bus each evening, offering passengers the chance to contribute to this worthy cause and learn more about their crucial work.
Abigail Hewison, Head of Charity at Children’s Cancer North, said: “We’re honoured to be the chosen charity for the Go North East Santa Bus. Our staff and volunteers can’t wait to get onboard with Santa and his elves!
“Any donations, however big or small, are greatly appreciated. Without support from public donors, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to make life better for children and young people in the North East and Cumbria going through cancer treatment, or provide support for their families in their darkest days.
“These donations also enable us to fund vital research into childhood cancers which takes place here in Newcastle and benefits patients both locally and internationally.”
Steve Howe, a bus driver based at Go North East’s Sunderland depot, is volunteering to play the part of Santa for the fifth successive year.
Steve says: “Playing Santa is an absolute pleasure. The other volunteers and I always have a great time waving and dancing on the bus, but the most special part is seeing the happiness on children’s faces as we drive by.”
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Santa on the move while supporting a cause that transforms lives. Visit the Go North East website to find out more or donate via this Go Fund Me page.
ENDS
26 NOVEMBER 2024
Notes to editors
Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.
The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.
For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.
Photography by: Charlotte Graham
Press and media contacts:
Laura Sharp
Head of Marketing, Go North East
laura.sharp@gonortheast.co.uk
Telephone: 07974063296
