All aboard the new Brighter Futures bus as Swindon’s Bus Company announce their Charity of the Year

A new branded bus promoting Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, Brighter Futures, has hit the roads in Swindon, marking the start of an exciting partnership with Swindon’s Bus Company.

The bus, featuring striking Brighter Futures advertising on the rear and interior, was unveiled to staff at the hospital this week, following the charity being named Swindon’s Bus Company’s official charity partner for 2026 and 2027.

Over the next two years, Swindon’s Bus Company staff and passengers will work together to raise vital funds to support the charity’s work in enhancing patient care over and above what the NHS can afford.

As well as raising awareness of Brighter Futures upcoming appeals and events, the bus also includes QR codes displayed throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers to donate quickly and easily during their journey.

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.”

Nikki Honer, Head of Marketing, Go South Coast, part of 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."

With the bus starting its route this week, the partnership will make a meaningful difference to Great Western Hospitals by turning everyday journeys into opportunities to give back.