Shoppers help to buy ambulances
CHARITY HAS TWO NEW VEHICLES, THANKS TO CO-OP FUND
CANCER charity Daft as a Brush has taken delivery of two new ambulances following a funding boost from Co-op food stores.
The retailer presented almost £38,000 to Newcastle-based Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, after more than 20 of its stores joined forces to raise funds to support the launch of the charity’s “Fast Track” service for cancer patients - the largest single donation the charity has received.
The Kia hybrid vehicles have been named by pupils from Abbeyfields First School, Morpeth and Swansfield Park Primary School, Alnwick as “The Swansfield Pick You Up” and “Shimmering Heart.”
Derek Warren, trustee at Daft as a Brush, said: “Everyone at the charity was overwhelmed by the amount we received from Northumberland Co-op, we are so grateful to all their customers and team.
“We have been able to purchase two vehicles which will start our ‘Fast Track’ service for cancer patients who have short treatment plans, providing relief from symptoms and stress. The goal is to react and transport palliative patients quickly in a comfortable environment. “
Sean White, manager for Northumberland Co-op, said: “We are delighted to support Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, and would like to thank our members, customers and colleagues who have all been so generous and enthusiastic in their support for this cause.
“As a community retailer, connecting communities and bringing people together is at the heart of our operations. It is amazing what can be achieved when we all work together.
“The new vehicles will support people in our communities for many years to come, and every donation – no matter how small – will contribute to making a big difference to those fighting or recovering from cancer.”
Trustee Ernest Young said: “We have many patients that require a more tailored transport service. Some need palliative care, others have illnesses at more developed stages that require greater attentiveness.
“The Kia hybrids offer extra comfort, space and facilities and by adopting a greener approach we can help the region into a lower carbon future. They make such a great addition to the fleet of 28 traditional ambulances our volunteers run every day transporting cancer patients to and from hospital.
“We’ve been enjoying a good response from a recent recruitment campaign for volunteer drivers, so I am sure this is just the beginning for our new service.”
For details on volunteering, visit www.daftasabrush.org.uk