Santa's on his way to Exeter... by bus!

Santa will be setting a new ‘gold standard’ in travel when he arrives in Exeter on a luxury bus where he’ll be encouraging shoppers to donate and decorate themselves for charity!

Teaming up with Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF), Stagecoach South West will bring Santa to Princesshay shopping centre on Friday December 11 on one of the company’s new Gold buses, which feature leather seats, extra legroom, free Wi-Fi and USB ports.

It’s all in aid of ELF’s EARS 4 ELF day, which is helping to raise awareness and funds to help families across Devon affected by blood cancers and blood disorders.

Gold Route 57 driver, Clint Woodman, is set to dress up as Santa for the event. He will arrive in the city centre and spend the day in Bedford Square, meeting children and shoppers and, for a donation to the local charity, encourage people to make use of a festive ‘Decoration Station’ to create their very own elf ears.

People can then take their very own #Elfyselfy and post it on Twitter. Stagecoach staff will join ELF volunteers to support the fundraising initiative, which runs from 10am to 4.30pm. Special guest former Exeter Chiefs player Chris Bentley will also be at the event to help spread the Christmas spirit.

Clint will continue to don his Santa suit during his December driving shifts, fundraising for ELF and carrying on what has become a popular annual tradition with customers on the 57 route. Clint commented “I absolutely love dressing up as Santa – it puts a smile on the faces of customers both old and young. I’m really looking forward to the event in Princesshay and I hope my contribution will help raise lots of money for this amazing local charity.” 

Alison Upton, Fundraiser at ELF, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Stagecoach South West to bring some festive joy to the city centre this Christmas. It’s great for the children to have the opportunity to meet Santa before the big day and we are pleased to provide the decorating station so they can become Santa’s very own little helpers!”

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director, said: “We’re sure that Santa’s special appearance in Princesshay will prove very popular and we’re very pleased to support the fantastic work ELF do in our city.”

Chris Bentley said: “What better way to spend a Friday than raising money for a fantastic charity by getting a bit festive! I shall be proudly sporting my ELF ears for such a good cause! Hopefully lots of people will drop by to say hello to Santa, myself and all the volunteers.”