VOLUNTEERS from Plymouth CityBus and Go Cornwall Bus have raised over £2,000 for local charity Children’s Hospice South West, as well as spreading festive cheer, with the Santa Bus.

The illuminated bus travelled the length and breadth of Plymouth and Cornwall throughout December, bringing with it snow, sweets and Santa himself!

Head of commercial and marketing, Mark Collins said: “The Santa Bus first made an appearance last year, and this year we wanted it to be bigger and better. It’s for the children in the areas we serve, the communities we serve and to raise money for charity.”

All the drivers, Santa’s helpers and Father Christmas gave up their time to make sure as many people as possible could enjoy the fun. A total of £2,026.12 was raised for Children’s Hospice South West. 

CHSW provides support for the families of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions across the South West, including the hospice Little Harbour in St Austell, which provides a home-from-home for families to have the time and space to feel ‘normal’.

Bex Hele lost her son, Jack, when he was just nine days old, and she and her family have been supported by CHSW. Bex said: “CHSW are the family we wish we’d never had to meet.

“Every occasion brings memories of loved ones, but when you’ve lost a child, Christmas brings its own unique challenges. If there are siblings, they want to carry on with the magic of Christmas and making memories, and CHSW make sure Christmas is magical for every Little Harbour family.”

Plans are already afoot for the Santa Bus in 2022. Anyone wishing to donate to CHSW can visit www.chsw.org.uk/get-involved/ways-donate