Brighton and Hove bus drivers dressed up as ghosts, ghouls, zombies and skeletons on Friday to help raise money so a sick child can go to Disneyland Paris.
Jack, who is just seven, was diagnosed with lung cancer three months ago after a cold developed into a collapsed lung, and is due to undergo major open chest surgery this Thursday.
A fundraising campaign was started by family friend Marianne Byrne, which has so far raised £1,760, and after hearing about the appeal from Jack’s mum’s cousing Lucy Burgos, who works for Brighton and Hove Buses, the drivers decided to donate money raised by the dress down day to the cause.
One passenger, Emma Smith, 24, said: “I was on the 5a bus from Patcham to Hangleton when I was greeted by a zombie bus driver he was truly amazing he was giving out sweets to all the kids (including mine) that got on and greeted all the customers with his wicked eyes even posing for selfies with customers.
“He is a truly wonderful person and I think Brighton and Hove Buses should be proud.”
Commenting on the online funding page, Jack’s mum Rebecca Bassett said: ” He’s being the most bravest boy I’ve ever known and I’m so proud of him, I’d give anything to trade places with him in a heart beat.
“But I just wanted to say thank you for your kind words and generosity. It really amazes me how people can be.
“Jack’s operation is this Thursday (5 November). It’ll be a major open chest surgery lasting eight to ten hours so I’m told. So I know you’ve all been amazing in wishing/praying/positive thoughts for Jack but please keep doing so, as so far it’s worked miracles!”
Brighton and Hove Buses’ communications manager Desna Tatler said: “We were having a charity Halloween dress down/up day to raise money for a colleague’s family member who was recently diagnosed with a rare type of childhood lung tumour. We were raising money so that Jack could live out one of his dreams to go to Disneyland Paris.
“Last year we carried out a Hallowe’en fundraiser for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and raised £1,000 for the charity.”
She also thanked her cousin Lucy Burgos for her help.
Well done Lucille just seen this story. Please contact me I’m on Facebook and trying to help Ness ( Vanessa) heal our family. Lots of love Auntie Michelle.