Blind Teen Jack Launches Go North East Santa Bus Tour
Meet Jack, 14, from Gateshead. Diagnosed with a brain tumour on his optic nerve at just four months old, Jack is registered blind. Despite gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and hospital stays, he’s bursting with positivity and spreading joy wherever he goes.
Jack’s Christmas wish? A tour of the Go North East Riverside bus depot. When his nana Elaine from Washington reached out, the organisers went bigger – inviting Jack to officially launch the magical Santa Bus tour.
Special Christmas Treat for Jack
“This has been the best Christmas present Jack could have ever hoped for. He’ll never forget this day. We’ll be out on Monday night to give Santa and his elves a wave!” – Nana Elaine
The Santa Bus returns from Monday 19 December for a week-long open-top tour across the region, spreading festive cheer from towns to villages.
Jack’s Fundraising Mission
Since age seven, Jack’s been raising money for charities like CLIC Sargent and Heel & Toe. Now, he’s supporting Dreamflight – a UK charity offering seriously ill children unforgettable trips to Orlando, Florida.
Dreamflight believes fun and joy are as crucial as medical care – especially for kids facing tough treatments and long waits for breakthroughs. Jack enjoyed his Dreamflight trip in October and wants other children to share that joy.
Santa Bus Spreads Joy & Supports Jack’s Dreamflight Fundraiser
Dan Graham, Commercial Development Manager at Go North East, said:
“Our Santa Bus is run by volunteer staff to bring joy to children and families, a tradition born during Covid when it was the only way to see Santa. After last year’s huge success, we can’t wait to roll out again and see all those smiles. This year, we’re backing Jack’s fundraising too. The Santa Bus tour is free to watch, but we urge everyone to support Jack’s GoFundMe for Dreamflight and help children like him.”
Wave to Santa and support a great cause this festive season!
