The partnership aims to generate both awareness and funding for projects that enhance patient care beyond what NHS funding alone can provide.
Passengers will be able to donate by scanning QR codes displayed throughout the bus. The vehicle will also promote Brighter Futures fundraising campaigns and community events as it travels across the town.
Colby Cain, Fundraising Manager at Brighter Futures, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Swindon’s Bus Company for their support and for helping us bring this partnership to life in such a visible and creative way.
“The branded bus is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work that Brighter Futures does for our local NHS, whilst also making it simple for people to donate.
“Every donation will help us continue to provide life-changing support to patients, families and staff across the organisation – with the first few pounds going straight into the pot for our latest fundraising appeal focused on supporting the Trust’s chemotherapy service.”
The charity’s current chemotherapy appeal will be one of the first beneficiaries of donations made through the partnership. Funds will help improve services and the experience of cancer patients receiving treatment at Great Western Hospital.
Nikki Honer, Head of Marketing at Go South Coast, which operates Swindon’s Bus Company, said:
“We’re proud to support Brighter Futures as our Charity of the Year. By taking their message out on the road every day, we’re helping raise awareness of the fantastic work they do for our local NHS, while giving our customers a simple way to support the charity through the onboard QR codes.
“We’re looking forward to the next 24 months of fundraising and working together to make a real difference for patients, families and staff across Great Western Hospitals.”
Brighter Futures raises money for projects, equipment and services that go beyond core NHS funding, supporting patients, families and staff across Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The newly branded bus is expected to carry the charity’s message to thousands of passengers each week as it operates across Swindon’s bus network over the next two years.
