Christmas bus put on Hampshire routes by Stagecoach South

For one week only, Stagecoach South’s Santa Bus will be in the city to raise money for Winchester Hospice.

From Monday, December 19 until Christmas Eve, those wanting to travel by bus will have the opportunity to enjoy a joyful journey with Christmas music, lights and tinsel.

Passengers will be able to make a donation to Winchester Hospice, the city’s only adult hospice, which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to those with a life-limiting illness.

Donna Coombs, clinical matron at Winchester Hospice, said: “We are so grateful to be supported by Stagecoach this festive season. The Santa Bus is a really fantastic initiative – lifting our community into the Christmas spirit while giving passengers the chance to donate to our hospice if they are able to.

“Winchester Hospice relies on hundreds of thousands of pounds to be raised each year to continue providing the services it does and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who will be supporting us as they travel this week.”

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The single-decker, which has been decorated by staff at Stagecoach South’s Winchester depot, will appear across the network on multiple different routes throughout the week, including in areas further afield such as Romsey, Alton and Eastleigh.

The bus will be driven by Santa or one of his elves, who will also be gifting Christmas presents to children on board.

Pete Robinson, operations manager for Stagecoach in Winchester, said: “We are delighted to run our Santa Bus again, which has become a family favourite every year, and we have received fantastic feedback from everyone who has travelled on board.”