A festive double-decker bus in Cookham and a visit from Ross Kemp brought in £2,000 for Thames Hospice at the end of the 2023.
Once Upon a Bus, an immersive storytelling group, held a two-day event on December 16 and 17 at Cookham Dean Cricket Club in aid of Thames Hospice.
Arti Sharma Grey, the owner of the bus, said her father passed away during the Christmas period in 2022, so proceeds were raised in honour of the 'amazing care' Thames Hospice provided for him.
Customers were treated to an immersive storytelling experience where children and adults were urged to believe in the spirit of Father Christmas and to conjure him onto the bus.
It included the story of the 'Polar express' with carol singing, dancing and the famous poem that begins 'Twas the night before Christmas' - whereby Santa appeared.
Families were then taken downstairs into the ice cave to meet the jolly gift-giver and receive a present.
Customers participated in the show by reading parts of poems and becoming characters.
Actor Ross Kemp and family came on board and the organisers were 'delighted' at the way he joined in, Arti said.
Raised funds have been counted, and revealed that the event raised more than £2,000 - with all ticket sale profits, food and market stallholders' monies being allocated to Thames Hospice.
The purpose of the customised bus is to engage children in reading and encouraging literacy.
Once Upon a Bus 'continues to support the community' and will hopefully be returning for its annual free storytelling for Maidenhead's Big Read in March.
Send any enquiries to arti@sharmagrey.com
Facebook: @onceuponabus
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