Stagecoach helps Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity children to enjoy a festive day out

Stagecoach has helped six children with complex, lifelong illnesses and their Roald Dahl Nurses to enjoy a festive day out at Clarence House through its community and charity “Giving for Good” initiative.

The children, who are supported by Roald Dahl Nurse Specialists, were invited by Her Majesty The Queen Consort to help decorate the Christmas tree at Clarence House earlier this week. As part of its ongoing support for the charity, Stagecoach provided two double-decker buses with drivers Steve Mantaj and Jonathan Priest from its London team to transport the children and their families to Clarence House. London driver Michael Salt, who is a member of the Stagecoach Giving for Good Charity Committee, also accompanied the children.

Isaac (four) from Liverpool, Matthew (13) from Wigan, Eilidh (five) from Edinburgh, and Addrib (eight), Arhan (four) and Mayann (seven) from London each attended the festive gathering with a family member and their Roald Dahl Nurse.

In The Queen Consort’s former role as The Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty was Royal Patron for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, who provide specialist nurses and support to seriously ill children with some of the most complex health conditions in the UK. Roald Dahl Nurses currently help over 25,000 children lead more marvellous lives.

Prior to decorating the tree, the children and their families enjoyed a surprise visit from Father Christmas himself, before enjoying a festive lunch in the Dining Room at Clarence House. The visit ended with a wonderful performance by the Band of the Welsh Guards.

Stagecoach, the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, has an ongoing partnership with Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity as part of its Giving for Good initiative, which supports its commitment to donate 0.5% of pre-tax profits every year to charitable causes. It also has national partnerships with Missing People, the Trussell Trust and Happy Days. Through these partnerships, Stagecoach has provided financial donations and is also committed to supporting the charities wherever possible, for example by providing buses and helping to raise awareness of the great work of each of these charities.

Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, said: “This magical event provides such a special memory for some of the heroic and brave children we support.

“We’re extremely grateful to our marvellous partners Stagecoach for their logistical support throughout the day. This has ensured children and their families were on time for all the festive treats and surprises arranged.

“Through the Giving for Good initiative, we’re committed to establishing more Roald Dahl Nurses in the communities where Stagecoach operates and across the UK.”

Michael Salt, Stagecoach London driver and a member of the Stagecoach Giving for Good Charity Committee, said: “We had a brilliant day and everybody really enjoyed it. We had the bus specially decorated for the children and along with my colleagues Diane, Georgia, Steve and Jonathan, we tried to make it as special as we could for the children, their nurses and their families. It’s great to be able to get involved in things such as this and be able to make a real difference.”

Marc Atkins-Turley, Stagecoach Director and Chair of the Giving for Good Committee, said: “We are extremely proud to have been able to support this fantastic event, and it’s been heart-warming for our staff to be involved in helping these children enjoy their trip to Clarence House.

“Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is one of the major charities we are supporting, which were all chosen by front-line staff from right across Stagecoach. The work of this charity in making a difference to children’s lives really is humbling and we are pleased to be playing our part in supporting them in some small way.”

As well as partnering with four major national charities, Stagecoach has committed to supporting local charities via its Community Fund. Applications are open on the Stagecoach website for charities to apply for support either with time, resource, donations or sponsorship from both the central Giving for Good Scheme or via their local operating company.

For more information on Stagecoach’s Giving for Good Charity Committee please visit www.stagecoachgroup.com/about/acting-responsibly/community

ENDS