​North East charity set to benefit from donated bus

A bus donated by Go North East to St Oswald’s Hospice is set to be on the road very soon – raking in much-needed funds for the charity.

Go North East recently gave a double decker to the regional charity and St Oswald’s appealed to the public for ideas of how it could be used to raise money.

Taking everyone's ideas on board, they have decided to turn the vehicle into a mobile shop, information bureau and even a Santa’s grotto at Christmas.

Work to take out all the seats and refit the bus is underway.

The bus will be given new livery on the exterior to create brand awareness for the charity and its services.

Andrew Moir, head of retail at St Oswald’s said: “We’re currently working with local design companies to look at how the bus could be kitted out.

“For us it means we can take St Oswald’s to different areas in the North East that might not necessarily have a shop, or where people might not have heard of us.

“It means we can engage with a lot more people in the community.”

The hospice has been caring for children, young people and adults with incurable conditions in Tyne and Wear for 30 years. They help manage their symptoms and give support to help people do the things that are important to them.

Stephen King, head of marketing and retail at Go North East, said: “St Oswald’s does incredible work in our region and we were more than happy to help them boost their fundraising efforts.”

Speaking about what it means to St Oswald’s, Andrew Moir added: “Without Go North East this opportunity would not have arisen. We couldn’t have used hospice funds to buy a bus – it would have just stayed as an idea. It’s a fantastic gesture and we are very thankful.”

The charity is hoping to raise extra awareness by taking the bus to various festivals in the region.

They are also hoping local councils will get involved too.