Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care is a heartening example of grassroots charity - locally founded, volunteer powered, making a enormous difference to the lives of cancer patients throughout the North East of England.
Daft as a Brush’ is a Newcastle-based charity offering free transport for cancer patients attending chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment at Newcastle hospitals.
The much-loved charity provides door-to-door transport to appointments, with volunteer drivers and companions ensuring comfort, safety, and support during their journey to recovery.
Thousands of patient journeys are completed annually, supported by a fleet of over 40 brightly coloured ambulances and over 400 passionate volunteers. The charity aims to alleviate the stress and worry associated with hospital journeys, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.
In 2018 founder, Mr Burnie set-off on an epic challenge to walk the coastal path of Great Britain and Ireland to promote free cancer patient transport. After three years and over 7,000 miles, he returned to the region determined to create 1,000,000 journeys, free of charge.
Daft as a Brush actively engages with local schools and communities through various initiatives, such as Ambulance Adoption Program and are reliant on public and corporate donations. One of the largest fundraising campaigns is their ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert at Newcastle City Hall, this year on Saturday 11th October. A traditional and uplifting event boasting performances by renowned artists and hosted by local entertainer Ray Spencer MBE, who is widely admired. This unmissable experience promises an evening of unity, musical mastery and laughter.
In September local runners will take to the streets the Great North Run. Friends, family and volunteers will line the streets in support, hoping the event will raise enough funds to purchase a brand-new ambulance.
2025 sees a year of change as 81-year-old Brian intends to take a back seat with the appointment additional board members and a large portion of the ambulance fleet aims to become 100% electric.
As charity goes from strength to strength, there’s no sign of it slowing down; with a fleet expansion and new leadership to help serve even more cancer patients who find it difficult, stressful and costly to travel to hospital each day for their life saving treatment.
Donations can be made to the charity either over the phone; 0191 28 55 999 or by visiting www.daftasabrush.org.uk all donations go directly to helping cancer patients throughout our region.
Why was the charity formed?
Mr Burnie discovered some patients considered declining cancer treatment as it was so difficult to get to and from hospital on a daily basis.
When his wife received a breast cancer diagnosis, Brian became acutely aware of transport challenges and decided to set-up a small charity to assist patients on their journeys.
He sold his country estate, Doxford Hall, to privately fund the set-up of a single ambulance and running costs in 2010, by 2020 the fleet stood at 40-plus and boasts circa 400 volunteers who power the service. Many of whom have close associations with cancer.
Which area do you cover?
From North Northumberland to North Yorkshire, we deliver a high-quality service throughout the North East. It is Mr Burnie’s dream to expand nationwide.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
Primarily funds are received through public generosity and fundraising initiatives.
We organise community challenges and events – such as concerts, campaigns, participation in the Great North Run and school adoptions of ambulances, to raise both awareness and funds.
We use platforms like JustGiving for peer-to-peer fundraising, where supporters raise donations for their own events and activities.
Who are your trustees and patrons?
An eclectic mix; from the business community, medical professionals and councillors to grass-roots individuals and those with experience of the cancer pathway. All our Trustees are volunteers and receive no salary or payment for their time, experience or input.
What have been your proudest moments so far?
The admiration and support the charity receives from patients and is exceptionally moving. Daft as a Brush has become one of the most loved originations in the region. We are proud to operate thousands of journeys each year.
On a personal level, Mr Burnie’s completion of an epic 7,000-mile walk was an incredible achievement. He suffers from Parkinson’s disease making the challenge more difficult, in addition, his 55 years of philanthropy for Newcastle Hospitals.
What are you currently working on?
We’re looking at a sustainable initiative to both expand the fleet, recruit additional volunteers and reduce our carbon footprint with electric vehicles.
How do you get involved?
Simply head over to our website and click the volunteer link; from here just enter a few details and our team will be in touch. We welcome any fund-raising activities – call 0191 28 55 999.
Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care can be found at: Daft as a Brush House, Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2DR.
info@daftasabrush.org.uk | www.daftasabrush.org.uk