Stagecoach London unveils new electric Macmillan Cancer Bus

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, proudly announced the unveiling of a new electric Macmillan bus at York Raceday for it’s London operation. This new vehicle continues Stagecoach London’s longstanding and deeply personal partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which was established in memory of Martyn Henderson, a much-loved Assistant Operations Manager at Romford Garage who passed away from cancer in July 2017.

Martyn Henderson was profoundly grateful for the care he received from Macmillan. His appreciation became the driving force behind a powerful legacy of support, inspiring Stagecoach colleagues to take action.

In 2018, Stagecoach London launched its first distinctive green double-decker bus in Martyn's memory. Operating on route 86 between Stratford and Romford, the "Macmillan bus" has since served as a highly visible symbol of support and a mobile advertisement for cancer awareness. Inside the bus, customers can easily scan QR codes to access vital cancer support resources available in over ten languages, reflecting the diverse communities of East London.

Inspired by Martyn's story, Stagecoach London employees have collectively embraced a wide array of fundraising initiatives, from marathons and football tournaments to coffee mornings. To date, these efforts have raised in excess of  £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The unveiling of the new electric Macmillan bus today at the Raceday marks an exciting new chapter in this enduring commitment. British bus manufacturer Wrightbus, a strong supporter of the partnership, generously sponsored the wrapping of this new vehicle. The addition of an electric bus – a Wrightbus zero-emission Electroliner - not only represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for public transport but also reinforces Stagecoach's dedication to carrying forward Martyn’s memory and the crucial cause he inspired.

Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach London, said:

“Martyn’s story continues to inspire us every day. This new electric Macmillan bus not only honours his memory but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and community support. We’re proud to continue this journey in his name.”

Victoria Wright, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager – London “Stagecoach exemplifies what it means to be a true charity partner. The funds they’ve raised and the awareness they continue to generate are making a profound, life-changing difference in our community.

 Today, cancer care is facing some of the greatest challenges of our time. With nearly 3.5 million people currently living with cancer in the UK, a number that continues to rise. The need for support has never been more urgent. Stagecoach plays a vital role in driving our mission forward, helping us spark a revolution in cancer care now and for generations to come. It’s a privilege to work alongside them.”

Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “We have long supported Stagecoaches’ inspiring Macmillan fundraising efforts and we were only too pleased to sponsor the wrapping of the new bus in Martyn’s memory. We hope it helps to raise funds and awareness for a very worthy cause.”