Rail partnership helps drive cancer care support

A North East transport partnership is set to strengthen frontline support for cancer patients by combining community fundraising with vital care services.

Newcastle-based Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care has been named the official charity partner of train operator Lumo, creating a new funding stream and platform to raise awareness of the charity’s work across the region. 

Lumo passengers will be able to donate proceeds from Delay Repay claims directly to the charity, making it easier for customers to support cancer care while travelling.

Daft As A Brush specialises in providing free transport for cancer patients across the North of England, helping them attend chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments. 

The service includes door-to-door journeys in a safe and comfortable environment, with volunteer companions available to stay with patients during treatment if required.

Alongside fundraising, the partnership will help shine a spotlight on the charity’s volunteer-led model and support its ongoing appeal for new volunteers, particularly in Durham and Sunderland. 

The charity currently completes thousands of patient journeys each year with the help of hundreds of volunteers and a distinctive fleet of blue ambulances.

Andrea Glover, chief executive of Daft As A Brush, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Lumo – a collaboration that brings together our shared commitment to community, compassion and sustainability as we move towards fully electric ambulances. 

“By working with Lumo, our message can reach more people, raising greater awareness of the support we provide to cancer patients on a national stage. 

“Our aim is to ensure that more people living with cancer can access free transport to and from hospital appointments. 

“This partnership is about showing what can be achieved when charities and forward-thinking organisations come together for the public good.” 

Lumo, which is also headquartered in Newcastle, has a track record of supporting good causes and generating social value along the East Coast Main Line. 

Jen Clare, service delivery director at Lumo, added: “Supporting inspirational people from the communities that we’re proud to be a part of is very important to us at Lumo and you can’t get more inspirational than the work by the team at Daft As A Brush. 

“They provide an essential service for cancer patients and it’s a privilege to be able to support them in their work. 

“As part of our partnership, we’ll also be supporting the charity as they continue to expand their services to support even more people. 

“A range of Lumo colleagues will be providing their expertise for the charity, which relies on the good will of amazing volunteers. 

“Our customers will also have a quick and easy way to support them too, by directly donating any Delay Repay funds to the charity.” 

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