All aboard the Santa Express!

Poorly children from Wolverhampton and Walsall enjoyed a magical trip on board the Santa Express thanks to the generosity of a volunteer-run railway.

The trip, organised by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity and Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers Charity, whisked youngsters on a festive train trip around Chasewater Country Park in Burntwood.

Seven-year-old Sophia Bowdler from Essington was one of the special VIPs onboard.

She is currently receiving chemotherapy for an optic pathway glioma which is a slow-growing brain tumor that arises in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

She said:

“I love Christmas – it is my favourite time of year. It was so exciting to meet Santa today.”

Her mum Michelle Bowdler said it was fantastic to go on the train together as a family with her husband Tom and 11-year-old daughter Paige.

She said:

“Due to Sophia’s treatment it is really hard to get together and do something as a family. To make it out today has been lovely – making memories with the family. It is a really special start to Christmas.”

Thanks to Chasewater Railway, families who use the hospital services at RWT and Walsall Healthcare were able to ride on the train for free.

Those on board were able to take in the beautiful scenery whilst also meeting Santa and his elves.

Another special passenger was four-year-old Olivia Guy and her two-year-old brother Jonas. Olivia has 1p36 deletion syndrome, a disorder that typically causes severe intellectual disability and spent last Christmas day in hospital.

Her mum Aimee said:

“It is such a lovely event to be part of, thank you. Olivia really loves all the festive lights and tinsel, so it has been a magical ride.”

Five-year-old Verity Murphy was on the train with her twin sisters Sienna and Sofia, three, and brother Joseph, eight. Verity has CDKL5 deficiency which is a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

Her mum Sarah said:

“We were all very excited to come here today. It is really lovely and nice to come out and celebrate Christmas as a family.”

Andy Mould, Director of Chasewater Railway, said:

“We wanted to put on these special NHS Santa Express Trains today free of charge to give something back to the community.

“It is important to us to support the local communities, and it was a privilege to welcome the families abroad the Santa Express and see all the children’s smiling faces.

“We hope that everyone had a magical experience which will stay with them for years to come.”

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, added:

“Christmas can be a difficult time of year when you have a poorly child, so we are grateful to Chasewater Railway for gifting such an amazing experience.

“We have loved organising this magical trip for all our young patients and their families who are dealing with complexed medical conditions.

“Each child has also been given a Christmas story book from Santa, so they can read that in the run-up to Christmas which we hope will bring some more magic and festive cheer.”

To find out more about the railway visit Chasewater Railway