The vital Daisy Bus cancer patient transport service in Southampton will continue, uninterrupted, thanks to the incredible generosity of Islanders over the weekend.
Following the announcement that the service – previously largely funded by the Government of Jersey and operated by Wessex Cancer Support – was due to end today (Wednesday), a JustGiving appeal was launched on Friday.
The campaign, along with other donations, has now raised £7,500 enabling organisers to ensure that a minibus service will continue as usual from Thursday.
Michèle Newton, chairman of the appeal, has said:
“This has been a truly humbling experience.
“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity and deeply relieved that this essential lifeline for cancer patients will continue for the immediate future.
“The Daisy Bus is more than transport – it’s a symbol of support and love for Islanders facing vital treatment. It provides camaraderie and friendship for people who are facing the most difficult journeys of their lives.”
Michèle and her team are now focusing on long-term plans to replace the service. She confirmed that she had personally thanked Deputy Tom Binet, Jersey’s Health Minister, for their past generosity and expressed hope that the 2 Islands could collaborate on a sustainable solution.
Deputy Binet responded:
“While Jersey is not in a position to fund the entire service going forward, we absolutely recognise its value. I’m keen to explore ways we can work with Michele’s team to support all cancer patients who travel to Southampton for treatment—both those staying in hotels and those who travel daily across the Solent. This is a shared Island challenge, and one that deserves a shared solution.”
Fundraising efforts will continue in the coming weeks, with organisers calling on the community to stay involved.
Anyone who would like to help with a donation can go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savethedaisybus.
Those who would like to help fundraise, or volunteer as a driver to help keep costs down – can email [email protected].
Michele adds:
“We are going to do this – and the amazing support we have already received has shown us that the Isle of Wight is behind us.”
Can you supply the Daisy bus bank account and sort code, I don’t do “just giving” I would rather 100% of my donation goes to the charity.
I must agree as i was just going to donate there was an extra charge of about15% by just giving so i gave nothing. I think as Edgar mentions it would be good to donate directly.
This should have been provided by the NHS.
It certainly should be.
they just need to cut one diversity officer job from the nhs and it would keep the bus running for years
I agree that in an ideal world it would be funded by the NHS. In reality, NHS funding is over-stretched so funding the bus would take resources away from other priorities such as the oncology department delivering the treatment. We must, therefore take the pragmatic rather than the idealist approach in the interests of maintaining the optimum service possible for people facing such grave illness.
It is unfortunate that there is a 15% surcharge to donate through Just Giving and it would be great to be able to contribute via a direct route that means all the money goes to fund the bus service.