An impressive £3,250 has been raised for Daisy Ring Bus as the community-run patient transport service celebrates its 1st anniversary helping Isle of Wight cancer patients travel to mainland hospitals.
Drivers, volunteers, supporters, businesses and community organisations came together at Northwood House in Cowes last Sunday (23rd August) to celebrate the service’s first year.
The anniversary event and associated donations generated £3,250, with a raffle alone bringing in £1,960 following weeks of work by volunteers collecting prizes and selling tickets.
Daisy Ring Bus was also presented with a £400 donation from Sandown Bay Over 50’s Club, while the Yarbrough Chapter donated a further £200.
The celebrations also highlighted the ongoing support of Phoenix Pre-Loved Store, which has raised £18,500 for Daisy Ring Bus through sales of pre-loved clothing and goods.
Daisy Ring Bus provides accessible, community-run transport for Isle of Wight patients travelling to Southampton and Portsmouth hospitals for cancer treatment.
At the heart of the organisation is 80-year-old Rex Goldsmith, whose dream it was to bring the Daisy Ring Bus community together for a 1st anniversary celebration.
Rex continues to work behind the scenes coordinating drivers, supporting their training and recruiting new volunteers to help keep the service running.
The anniversary celebration featured performances from FaT Samba, Wight Diamonds, IOW Pipes & Drums and Vectis Brass Band, as well as entertainment from magician Greg Chapman.
Guests also heard a presentation reflecting on the organisation’s first year, before Anna Newton performed its theme tune, Lean on Me, accompanied by Musical Director Tom Barker.
Michèle Le Quesne Newton, Chair of Daisy Ring Bus CIC, has said:
“Our first anniversary gave us an opportunity not only to celebrate what Daisy Ring Bus has achieved, but to thank the incredible people who have made it possible.
“The support we receive from our volunteers, drivers, local businesses, organisations and the wider Island community continues to amaze us. Every donation, every fundraiser and every hour given helps us continue providing a service that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives.
“This celebration was something Rex had dreamed of from the beginning, so seeing so many people come together at Northwood House made the day particularly special.
“We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us during our first year, and we are excited about what comes next.”
The anniversary event was organised in just 3 months alongside the team’s full-time jobs and other commitments.
Daisy Ring Bus has paid particular tribute to Martin Nickless for his experience, guidance and work behind the scenes organising the event.
Thanks have also been extended to the team at Northwood House, performers, stallholders, local businesses, raffle prize donors and the catering, parking and event volunteers who helped make the celebration possible.
As Daisy Ring Bus enters its 2nd year, the organisation hopes to reach more people, develop further community partnerships and continue growing the service.
Michèle added:
“What Daisy Ring Bus has achieved in its first year simply would not have been possible without the people who have stood behind us.
“This anniversary was a celebration of them as much as it was of Daisy. Now we are looking forward to year two and continuing to keep Daisy moving for the people who need us.”
More information can be found at www.daisyringbus.org.
