Fundraising Santa puts on the brakes after heart scare

A BUS driver who spent December driving his route dressed as Santa was rushed to hospital suffering from a suspected heart attack during his final festive shift.

James Wallace, 43, was guiding the number 13 bus back at the end of the day on December 29 when he was overcome by excruciating chest pains.

After ringing his boss at the Edinburgh Coachline depot, an ambulance rushed to the scene and Santa was taken to the ERI.

Luckily his blood tests came back clear, but Mr Wallace, who was raising money for the Down's Syndrome Children charity, is resting up at home in Blackridge.

He said he was heartened that several of his passengers had sent get well soon cards and some had called the depot to ask how he was getting on.

Mr Wallace said: "I was rushed to the hospital with a suspected heart attack, which was quite horrible. I had extreme pains in my chest, felt lightheaded and felt very nauseous.

"My blood tests came back clear, but we still don't know what's wrong with me. I'm still unwell so I'm resting up, but I hope to be back at work by Friday.

"I'll be alright though. The month was brilliant fun and I made lots of money. Luckily I was driving alone at the end of the day when I became unwell."

Mr Wallace, whose 16-month-old daughter Mhairi was diagnosed with Down's at birth, raised more than 750 for the charity, which was more than the previous year.

He said that as soon as he is better he intends to visit the charity's office with a large cheque.

Mr Wallace has now hung up his black boots, beard and sack, but he vowed to repeat the event next year to raise more money. He added: "People can still give to the cause though. I'll continue collecting for a wee while yet, even if I am in my normal uniform.

"Santa had a good run of things, but he's now on a beach with the Easter Bunny sipping a few cocktails.

"There are several funny tales that came about from being Father Christmas for the month. At one point a wee girl on George Street insisted that I wasn't Santa because I was driving the bus, so I pulled me beard and strained as hard as I could. Then she looked convinced. Although that might have been the lollipop I gave her."

Mr Wallace drove the number 13 bus from Leith to Blackhall, passing by Sleigh Drive.