Autistic boy, 6, who loves buses sees dream come true with Stagecoach depot visit
“The visit to the Stagecoach depot meant the absolute world to Noah”
A six-year-old autistic boy who loves buses has seen his dream come true after getting a behind the scenes look at Stagecoach’s Sunderland depot.
Noah Waldron, from Sunderland, was welcomed to the company's North Bridge Street depot, where he met drivers and engineers, explored the depot, and even had the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of one of Stagecoach's iconic buses which had its destination board changed to Noah, 6.
For Noah, who has sacral agenesis - which affects the development of his spine - and autism, the visit was a day he will never forget. Despite living with mobility difficulties and awaiting major reconstructive surgery, his enthusiasm for buses “continues to bring him comfort, happiness and excitement”.
A pupil at Highfield Academy, Noah was given a behind-the-scenes insight into the day-to-day operation of one of Sunderland's busiest bus depots, with staff taking the time to answer his questions and share his passion for buses.
Following the visit, his mother Becky Bailey, said: "The visit to the Stagecoach depot meant the absolute world to Noah. Buses are his biggest passion, and seeing them up close, meeting the drivers and staff, and learning more about how everything works made him happier than we've seen him in a long time. He talked about it constantly afterwards, and it's a day he will never forget.
"The kindness shown by everyone at Stagecoach was incredible. They made Noah feel so welcome, treated him with such kindness, and gave him an experience that brought a huge smile to his face. As parents, seeing him so genuinely happy was very emotional and meant more than words can say.
"Noah is just a happy little boy who doesn't let his problems get the better of him."
Michael Emmet, Driving Excellence Lead Trainer at Stagecoach Sunderland, added: “Welcoming Noah and his family to our depot was an absolute pleasure and seeing the excitement on Noah’s face from the moment he arrived reminded us all why community engagement is so important.
“His passion for buses was incredible, and it was clear how much this visit meant to him. Every member of our team was proud to play a small part in making Noah’s day one to remember.
“If we were able to bring him some happiness and create lasting memories for him and his family, then that’s something very special. On behalf of everyone at Stagecoach Sunderland, we wish Noah every success with his upcoming treatment and look forward to seeing him again in the future.”