London appointment on 3rd Jan - no trains. No way round it?

[MulledWineAndMingePies]

We have been waiting for this appointment for about 6 years.
It's a huge huge, life changing, potentially life saving appointment and I've just seen there is train strikes on that day.

Im trying to figure out coaches or buses but and I'm searching and Googling but getting no answers.

Can anyone help? It's Brighton to London waterloo, or specifically St Thomas hospital.

Are there coach replacements or is that not ok because that's usually provided by the rail isn't it?
I can't believe our bloody luck

I understand on the way there you might not want to chance it and better getting coach but Ive travelled last 2 strike days on lner and another line and they still had trains running every hour and they weren't packed.

You won't be stranded! Plenty ways to get back

Just seems like every time somebody tries to help it's not good enough. The train booking system is exactly the same as the coach one - lots of station options so if she could book the train I'm sure she could book the coach.

Maybe go to the actual booking office and ask them for the best route?

Just used the National Express app. Several journeys available from Brighton to London on 3 January.

Easy.