The Santa Bus returns to Thanet

Stagecoach South East’s popular Santa Bus has returned to Thanet this December, raising money for Dementia UK.

The bus has been decked out with Christmas decorations and drivers can be seen in festive costumes handing out chocolates and colouring in activities. All of this is in aim of raising money for the charity through an on-bus collection bucket.

This year, the Santa Bus will be supporting Dementia UK. The charity helps those suffering from dementia and their loved ones. Their specialist nurses, known as ‘Admiral Nurses’, provide life-changing advice and support, and have been a lifeline for many families.

Sarah Cloke, assistant operations manager for Stagecoach’s Thanet depot, said “The Santa Bus is very popular in Thanet and local residents look out for it every December. We have picked Dementia UK as our chosen charity because it is a cause close to our team’s hearts.

“We have three drivers here - Julie Liddard, Matthew Craft, and Kriss Tupper - who are really passionate about the Santa Bus project and have supported us to get it in place this year. They are so enthusiastic and love seeing the reactions of our passengers when then they pull up at the bus stops.”

The Santa Bus can be spotted every day of the week and is mainly found on the Thanet Loop.