Stagecoach unveils new Wrightbus electric Macmillan Bus, continuing legacy of support for cancer care

The new electric Macmillan Cancer Support bus, built by Wrightbus and operated by Stagecoach London

A new electric Macmillan Cancer Support bus, built by Wrightbus and operated by Stagecoach London, has been officially unveiled at York Raceday – marking a powerful milestone in a heartfelt legacy that continues to unite public transport and cancer care.

The new zero-emission Electroliner, built by Ballymena-based Wrightbus, has been sponsored by the manufacturer to honour the memory of Martyn Henderson, a much-loved Assistant Operations Manager at Romford Garage who sadly passed away from cancer in July 2017.

The partnership between Stagecoach London and Macmillan Cancer Support was first launched in his honour and has since grown into a long-standing symbol of awareness, community fundraising, and now – sustainability.

“Martyn’s story continues to inspire us every day,” said Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach London.

“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.”

The original green Macmillan double-decker bus began operating on London route 86 in 2018 – serving passengers between Stratford and Romford. Its striking design and onboard QR codes – linking to multilingual cancer support services – have raised both awareness and vital donations across East London’s diverse communities.

Building on that legacy, the new vehicle unveiled on Raceday marks the next chapter: a fully electric, zero-emission Macmillan bus that aligns with the capital’s net-zero ambitions.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, commented:

“We have long supported Stagecoach’s 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.”

Since 2018, Stagecoach London employees have rallied behind Martyn’s memory with a wide range of charitable activities – from marathon runs and coffee mornings to football tournaments – raising over £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Victoria Wright, Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in London, praised the ongoing commitment:

“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.”

The move also underscores Stagecoach’s commitment to environmentally responsible transport, with the new electric vehicle marking another step forward in a cleaner, greener future for London’s bus network.

As the newly unveiled Macmillan bus hits the streets, it serves not just as a beacon of sustainable travel – but as a moving tribute to a man whose courage continues to fuel an entire community’s fight against cancer.