A mother from the Isle of Wight is preparing to walk 120km through Italy to raise funds for the Daisy Ring Bus – a vital transport service that supported her family during her daughter’s cancer treatment.
Amber Beard, who described the service as a “huge lifeline” during her daughter Scarlett’s 6 months of treatment, will be walking from Lucca to Siena along the historic pilgrim route in Italy between 18th and 23rd October to raise funds.
Scarlett, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, underwent intensive treatment in Southampton earlier this year. Her mother says the frequent trips from the Isle of Wight – sometimes up to 3 times a week – were not only exhausting but financially challenging.
The Daisy Bus, which provides free transport between the Red Jet terminal and Southampton General Hospital, became a crucial part of their cancer journey.
On the challenges the family faced, Amber has said:
“For those undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy, using public transport simply isn’t an option.
“And with taxis costing over £30 each way, the financial burden becomes overwhelming very quickly.”
Although the original Daisy Bus service was halted by the backing charity in August, a local Isle of Wight group stepped in to keep it going. The group has since become a Community Interest Company (CIC) and is now fundraising to purchase a dedicated minibus – the newly named Daisy Ring Bus.
Amber is encouraging anyone who can to donate and help ensure the Daisy Ring Bus remains available to others facing similar challenges.
Donations can be made online, with all proceeds going toward the operation and future of the Daisy Ring Bus.
Great effort but this service SHOULD be funded by
the NHS / COUNCIL
It is not island residents fault that all NHS services
are not provided on the island.