A little bit of history of Daft as a Brush
From Brian Burnie, the Founder of Daft as a Brush. “Community Spirit – It goes back to my early childhood in the 1940’s/50’s coming from a humble background in the east end of Newcastle upon Tyne.
As a child I always remember my mother and father saying that it was ‘better to give than receive’. Some 70 years later that’s still very true today, albeit not in monetary terms, but it never ceases to amaze me how much one gets out of charitable work.”
Having been involved in a whole host of charitable good causes since the 1960’s, it was in the late 1980’s that I decided to formalise this and the charity was established. This enabled the companies I owned to fund the work of the charity.
Probably the most notable project undertaken was to pay for a doctor at the Freeman Hospital’s Children’s Heart Unit. In 2010 the proceeds of the sale of Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa were given to the charity and the Memorandums and Articles of Association were changed to that of only being involved in the transportation of cancer patients and renamed Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care.
The charity was initially established in an office in Newcastle city centre; later in September 2012 it purchased the freehold interest of an office in Gosforth (with ample parking for ambulances), which was later named ‘Daft as a Brush House’.
To date the charity has a large fleet of ambulances, all have been adopted by primary schools from across the region. Hundreds of volunteers are ambulance drivers/companions; staffing the information desk at the Freeman Hospital and at Daft as a Brush House. However, the charity still requires more volunteers so why not apply on-line or download an application form.
Daft as a Brush on the BBC One Show!
Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care founder, Brian Burnie with Volunteers on the BBC One Show launching the bespoke Cancer Patient Service back in 2010
Such a super time at the BBC One Show when the Charity’s free cancer patient service was officially launched.
We started with a few volunteers and a single ambulance!
Today, the charity is proud to complete thousands of patient journeys each year with a huge team of passionate volunteers and a fleet of shiny new Ford Ambulances!
Our volunteers are incredible people, often out on the road helping cancer patients after hours.
Watch the making of the Millennium Maze at Doxford Hall
The charity today…
The charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, provides a free transport service to and from the Freeman/RVI Hospitals for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment – some from as far afield as the Scottish Borders, North Yorkshire and West Cumbria.
Thousands of cancer patient journeys were only made possible by the dedication and service of the magnificent team of volunteers and staff from the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.
A recent new development with the Great North Children’s Hospital based at the RVI was the purchase of an ambulance with special seating arrangements permitting children of all ages, plus their parents, to be transported safely to and from hospital.
Some patients require a more tailored transport service; some need palliative care, others have illnesses at more developed stages that require greater attentiveness, our ‘Fast Track’ service is here to help.
Daft as a Brush fund raising and events
Charity fundraising for Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care plays a vital role in supporting the charity’s mission to provide free transport for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
Every pound raised helps fund the running costs of the charity’s specially adapted ambulances, which ensure patients can travel safely and comfortably to and from hospital appointments.
Fundraising events – from sponsored walks and bake sales to community fairs and corporate partnerships, not only generate essential funds but also raise awareness of the charity’s compassionate work.
Through the generosity and dedication of supporters, Daft as a Brush continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families across the North East, offering care, comfort, and kindness when it’s needed most.
An example of our activies include:
• Dedicated to people affected by cancer – the creation of the 135 mile Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care Walk: River Tyne Trail Sources to Sea
• Last Night of the Proms Concert at Newcastle City Hall to raise money and awareness for the Charity.
• Spectacular show with the switch-on of 1 million Christmas lights on a 12 metre high Christmas tree and surrounding area at Daft as a Brush House.
• An epic 7,000 mile walk around the coastal path of Great Britain and Ireland to promote the charity nationwide!
We’re thrilled to be supported by the local community, SME’s and national corporates who rase funds and enjoy fun activities that benefit the charity.
