Stagecoach fulfils a final cherished wish for North Devon man’s bucket list

A Stagecoach South West employee has helped to fulfil a terminally ill man's final wish to ride in the front seat of a double-decker bus.

Barnstaple operations manager David Growns was so moved when he heard of the appeal from Chris Eames and his family that he personally arranged a private bus ride.

David organised a private journey for Chris and his loved ones along the scenic Braunton to Barnstaple route.

When the heartfelt request made its way to Stagecoach’s customer service team, no one could have predicted how one simple bus journey would become a treasured moment for a family facing the unimaginable.

Above: Chris Eames enjoys his bucket list double decker bus journey with David Growns of Stagecoach South West, who made it happen. Credit: Stagecoach

Chris, who is aged 64 and living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), had created a list of wishes to experience while he still could.

One of those wishes was to ride in the front seat of a double-decker bus along the scenic route from Braunton to Barnstaple, crossing the River Taw.

With support from the MND Association, a call was placed to Stagecoach’s customer service centre in Scotland.

The request was passed to the Barnstaple Depot, where David took the lead. Without hesitation, he co-ordinated the entire experience — arranging a double-decker, setting a date and personally accompanying the journey alongside colleague George.

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On the morning of Monday, June 10, Chris, his wife Jo and a group of close family and friends were picked up and taken on a personal bus tour along the route.

Staff from the MND Association, who have supported Chris and his family throughout his journey, were also there on the day, offering their presence and care during this emotional and memorable experience.

“This will be the last time Chris will get to ride on a bus, or go out at all,” a family friend wrote in a moving message to Stagecoach.

“But thanks to the fantastic support from the lady I initially spoke to, to David and his team at Stagecoach, we did manage to fulfil one of Chris’s final wishes.”

Peter Knight, managing director at Stagecoach South West, said: “Our people are the heart of our company.

“What David did in Barnstaple reflects the compassion and community spirit we strive for every day. We’re incredibly proud of him and the entire team.”

As for Chris, Jo and their family, the journey will forever be remembered — not just as a bus ride, but as a deeply human act of kindness during life’s most precious moments.

For more information about MND, or support the charity’s work, please visit www.mndassociation.org

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