Go North East’s beloved Santa Bus is returning for 2024, ready to spread holiday joy and gather essential funds for Children’s Cancer North, a charity committed to supporting young cancer patients and their families right here in the North East.
Starting Monday, December 9, the open-top Santa Bus, adorned with sparkling Christmas lights, will embark on a journey through North and South Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham over ten enchanting evenings.
In past years, countless families have gathered along the streets to catch sight of Santa and his elves spreading Christmas cheer from the top deck of the bus.
Children’s Cancer North focuses on enhancing the lives of children with cancer throughout the North East and Cumbria. Each evening, volunteers from the charity will join the festive team on the bus, providing passengers with an opportunity to support this noble cause and learn more about their vital efforts.
Abigail Hewison, Head of Charity at Children’s Cancer North, stated: “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 at Go North East’s Sunderland depot, will be volunteering as Santa for the fifth consecutive 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.”
You can donate to Go North East’s GoFundMe page and raise funds for the charity Christmas Bus Appeal by clicking here.
Stay tuned for the full magical Go North East Santa Bus Timetable here on Tyne and Wear Updates.