North-East Charity brings free cancer patient transport service to Cumbria

Much loved North-East charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, have taken big steps to expand their free patient transport service into the North West helping cancer patients get to and from hospital in Carlisle and Whitehaven.

Based in Carlisle's new £30m cancer centre, in the city's Cumberland Infirmary, Daft as a Brush volunteers also schedule transport for Chemotherapy patients to Whitehaven.

Founder, Brian Burnie is leading the ‘Daft as a Brush’ campaign throughout the county,

“We’re thrilled to be an integral part of Carlisle’s new state-of-the-art cancer centre. We’re working together to help patients on their journey to recovery.”

“The charity operates some 60,000-cancer patient journeys each year; we’re aiming for 100,000 journeys with the inclusion of Cumbria. This is only possible thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, and we need more passionate people to join the team.”

The charity is reaching out for help in the Carlisle and Whitehaven areas; Drivers and Patient Companions are urgently required.

"So many cancer patients, all over the country, have the same issues of getting to and from hospital on a daily basis.

"Many live on their own, I would hate to know how many patients decline treatment because of the stress, anxiety and difficulties they experience getting to and from hospital on a daily basis."

“The reaction from hospital staff, oncologists and radiographers has been unbelievable, everyone loves the charity in the North East.

"I am so excited to bring the Daft as a Brush service to Cumbria, our service for patients is, and always will be, free of charge."

Each of the charity’s 40 ambulances have been adopted by local first schools who give the ambulance a name and decorate the back with colourful artwork.

With the introduction of new ambulances to the North West, local schools are being asked to adopt and name the new fleet; Brian is looking forward to their creativity;

“North East Schools have come up with fabulous names for the ambulances such as Polly Pebble, Hedgehog Express and Busee Bee. I’m sure Cumbrian first schools will be as equally innovative!

Anyone interested in volunteering for the charity or schools who’d like to adopt an ambulance should call, Carlisle: 01228 932 500, Whitehaven: 01946 450 005.

Or visit their website for more information: www.daftasabrush.org.uk