Bereaved pals join forces in fundraising bid

Reporter BEST friends who lost their husbands to cancer have joined forces to raise vital funds for a North East charity committed to making life more bearable for people suffering from the disease.

Gina Dunn, 59, and Ann Garrett, 73, have pledged to raise £25,000 to buy a new vehicle for Daft as a Brush, which now operates 25 ambulances in the region. They are backed by 300 volunteers, and provide free transport to hospital for cancer patients to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

The organisation is expected to make 20,000 patient journeys this year and, next year, the charity hopes to offer its services to even more people.

Gina and Ann, of Grainger Park, Newcastle, are fundraising in memory of their late husbands, Les and Billy, who died from cancer. Ann’s late husband Billy also used the transport provided by Daft as a Brush.

Gina said: “I know firsthand how much Daft as a Brush helped Ann and Billy as they are very good friends of my late husband Les and myself. Daft as a Brush were not established when Les was ill. I was fortunate to be able to drive and have a car.

“I decided in February 2016 that I would start to fundraise to try and raise the £25k to purchase the vehicle. Together with Mandy Garrett, Ann and Billy‘s daughter, we did a 21-mile midnight walk. It was hard, but we raised just over £1,500 between us. Now I’ve set myself the biggest challenge – to raise the remainder of the money before February 2018.’’

Gina added: “While Les was in hospital, he requested that I help as many children as possible, especially with cancer. I feel I’ve achieved what Les requested. Now my aim is to hit this target, and more children and adults will benefit from this amazing charity.’’

Ann said: “I can’t praise Daft as a Brush enough for the service they provide. They are making a difficult situation a lot easier for the patients and their families. My late husband Billy used their transport and the care given to him and myself was excellent.’

“Daft as a Brush have informed me they will be putting a plaque on the vehicle with Les and Billy‘s name on it.”

Rex Winter chief executive of Daft as a Brush, said: “Gina was undaunted when I told her that the cost of an ambulance was in the region of £25,000!

“Gina’s fundraising, assisted by her friend Ann Garrett, will hugely assist the work our charity does for cancer patients.”

Gina is hoping businesses and wellwishers might help her with raffle prizes for a sold-out event later this month. If any companies would like to help with prize donations, contact Daft as a Brush on 0191 285 5999.

Gina’s has also set up a Just Giving page at virginmoneygiving.com/ georginadunn1