Go North East Santa bus returns to the North East this Christmas supporting children with cancer
by Emily Gray · ChronicleLiveGo North East’s much-loved Santa Bus is back for the fifth year running in 2024, ready to spread festive cheer and raise vital funds for children with cancer.
Starting from Monday December 9, 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 top deck.
And for the first time, the Go North East Santa Bus is running in support of a charity for Christmas 2024, fundraising for Children's Cancer North - 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.
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