Jumbulance visit to see the London Lights

Travelling through London, passing the famous landmarks and enjoying the spectacular Christmas lights is always a memorable experience.

But making memories is even more precious when people are seriously ill.

For the third year in a row, Saint Francis Hospice was delighted to team up with the charity ACROSS who run the Jumbulance, a specially adapted coach medically equipped for travel in a bed or wheelchair, to invite people and their families to visit the Christmas lights.

On Sunday 8th December and Monday 9th December, the jumbulance took people under our care, along with young adults we attend our social group at the hospice, into the capital.

There was a fabulously festive atmosphere as Christmas songs were played and staff served mince pies and mulled wine. Everyone also received a small gift of chocolate and a London black cab tree decoration. 

"It was fantastic,” said Joy, who is currently being cared for on the ward, went on the jumbulance on Monday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

“It was a life-giving trip. Such activities really bring life to people like me. I can't walk. What it did for me on that day was phenomenal to say the least.  

“I'm a design and technology teacher by profession. It brought to me good memories about designing objects, of what I saw in London. I was glued to the window, stuck on the window, because of the mixing of colour, the night and the lights."

Ashley, 24, who has Rett syndrome and attends the monthly Young Adults Group at the hospice, was on the jumbulance for the second time with her mum Tracey and her grandparents. 

Tracey said, “It was such a wonderful experience. 

“It was relaxing for Ash to sit and watch the world go by and take it all in and she was awake the whole time.  

“It was nice to be part of something like this and for us to sit together and not have to do anything.  

“Ash is wheelchair dependent, so I wouldn’t be able to take her to see the London lights as it would be a military operation on the tube and pushing her around. 

“Thank you to everyone involved for including us and making it happen."

Adam, who celebrated his 21st birthday the day before the jumbulance trip, also attends the Young Adults Group. He has Down’s Syndrome along with many health complications. He enjoyed visiting the lights with his mum Yasmin, and other members of his family.  

“It was a lovely experience and so well organised,” said Yasmin.  

“As the jumbulance was high, Adam had such a fantastic view of the lights and he loved it. 

“The staff were so lovely and they served us festive treats as we travelled along.  

“It is so lovely to know there are people out there who want to help and make a difference.”