In an inspiring blend of adventure, heritage, and charitable mission, Brother John Green, a spirited 85-year-old resident of the historic Hospital of St Cross, has embarked on a remarkable eight-week journey across the British Isles, relying solely on public buses.
The journey, which began on May 1, has been dubbed “Brother on a Bus” and is more than a scenic expedition.
Spanning England, Scotland, and Wales, the journey is designed to generate financial support for the centuries-old hospital, promote its charitable mission, and stir public interest ahead of its monumental 900th anniversary in 2032. The tour is scheduled to conclude on June 17.
Throughout his travels, Brother Green has been chronicling his insights with blog updates and photo galleries gathered during his Sunday rest days, conducting interviews with fellow passengers, and identifying historical landmarks along his route.
“I shan’t be a stranger,” he said.
The initiative drew support from high-profile figures, including the Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mountstephen, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and His Majesty the King and President of the Almshouse Association, King Charles III.
Stagecoach is lending its backing on the PR front, helping spotlight Brother Green’s unique journey as a celebration of British spirit, community, and resilience.
Brother Green’s route has been made possible by special arrangements with coach operators who’ve extended free travel privileges outside England, where the free bus pass ordinarily applies.
Reflecting on his decision to hit the road, Brother Green stated: “The idea is: we’ve had difficulty finding people to come here.
“So, I thought I’d raise a bit of publicity for people about the Hospital, and then they’d have a chance to come here..!
“It’s a wonderful place.”
His first leg took him from Winchester to Brighton, where he spent the night accompanied by four fellow Brothers.
He was driven by Winchester’s first female bus driver, with the hospital’s chair of trustees onboard for support.
A fixture at the hospital for the past decade, Brother Green is widely admired for his craftsmanship in bookbinding, tireless volunteerism, and warm companionship.
