Daft as a Brush most frequently asked questions

How can I contact Daft as a Brush?

If your query is urgent, please telephone us. Due to reduced staffing, please allow 48 hours for all email correspondence. Key contacts are below:

Patient Planning
Steven Watson – Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: steven.watson@daftasabrush.org.uk

Transport Manager
Ian Marshall – Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: ian.marshall@daftasabrush.org.uk

Development Manager
David WIlson – Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: david.wilson@daftasabrush.org.uk

Events and Fundraising Manager
Jann Ross – Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: jann.ross@daftasabrush.org.uk

The Len Gibson Appeal
Tel: 0800 047 2995
Email lga@daftasabrush.org.uk

Operations: Newcastle, Carlisle and Whitehaven:
Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: info@daftasabrush.org.uk

Communications:
Dave Harrison – Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: dave.harrison@daftasabrush.org.uk

General enquiries:
Tel: 0191 28 55 999
Email: info@daftasabrush.org.uk

Alternatively, we have an Information Desk at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC) at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, on level one. Patients and carers are invited to visit the desk during office hours and chat to a member of our staff who can offer advice and information about our service. This desk is currently closed due to Covid-19.

You can also write to us at: Daft as a Brush House, Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2DR.

How do I, or someone I know, use the service?

When cancer treatment is planned, you will have the opportunity to discuss transport requirements with your nurse or consultant. It is at this time that you may be offered the Daft as a Brush service, depending on your location, requirements and our availability. The hospital referral will reserve the service on your behalf and we will contact you to confirm details to ensure the transport arrangements suit the treatment plan.

It is important to note that Daft as a Brush cannot directly reserve this service for you; referral must come from the hospital in advance of the planned treatments.

Do I need someone with me?

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care offers ambulances staffed by a driver and a companion, so it is not always necessary to bring someone with you.  However, should you prefer to have a friend or family member with you, this is absolutely fine.

Can I work / volunteer at Daft as a Brush?

If you have some spare time, why not apply to be a volunteer? Many positions are available including ambulance drivers, companions, administration, reception and fund raising etc. Please apply on-line from the Volunteer Page where you can complete an Application form.

Can I meet Brian Burnie or the team at Daft as a Brush?

All the team at Daft as a Brush house have very busy schedules and it is not possible to book a one-to-one meeting. Brian is especially busy after completing his 7,000 mile challenge around Britain and Ireland to take the charity nationwide. You can discover more about Brian’s epic challenge by clicking here. You can visit us at one of our events where you might be able to meet some of the team. Brian offers talks and presentations around the region for Daft as a Brush so keep an eye on the events page of this website and pop-along for a talk or event.

How do I comment / complain about the Daft as a Brush service?

During your treatment you would have received a form to complete to make comments about the service and our volunteers. If you wish to make further comments or contact us, please do so by post to: Mrs. J. Ross – Charity Secretary, Daft as a Brush House, Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2DR.

All comments are treated in confidence, please note we may not be able to reply to all correspondence.

Should you wish to complain about any aspect of the service, please download our Complaints Policy by clicking here which contains more information and the complaint procedure. All complaints are treated in confidence.