Daft as a Brush: Gosforth's Cancer Patient Transport Charity

If you've ever noticed the fleet of distinctive ambulances parked on the Great North Road in Gosforth, you've seen Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care in action. What started as one man's determination to help has grown into one of the most remarkable volunteer-run charities in the North East.

What Daft as a Brush Does

The charity provides free transport for cancer patients to and from hospital for chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. For many patients, the logistics of getting to and from regular appointments — often while feeling exhausted, nauseated, or simply frightened — is one of the hardest practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Daft as a Brush takes that burden away entirely.

The service covers a vast area stretching from the Scottish Borders to North Yorkshire and west into Cumbria, with patients transported primarily to the Freeman Hospital and the RVI in Newcastle. A Fast Track service is also available for palliative and specialist care, and the charity recently acquired a specially adapted ambulance with child-friendly seating for young patients at the Great North Children's Hospital.

Every journey is free. No referral is needed — patients or their families simply call to arrange transport.

The Numbers

The scale of what Daft as a Brush achieves from its Gosforth base is genuinely extraordinary:

• 33 ambulances — all specially adapted Ford vehicles, each adopted by a local primary school
• Over 350 volunteers — drivers, companions, and information desk staff
• Around 100,000 patient journeys completed each year
• Winner of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services (2016) — the MBE equivalent for voluntary groups

The Brian Burnie Story

Daft as a Brush was founded by Brian Burnie, a Newcastle businessman who grew up in the east end of the city. Burnie had a long history of charitable work — in 1989 he organised what was claimed to be the world's largest children's party on the Town Moor, raising funds for a doctor at the Children's Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital.

The charity's transformation came in 2010, when Burnie sold his Northumberland hotel, Doxford Hall, and donated the proceeds — reportedly around £16 million — to refocus the charity entirely on cancer patient transport. In September 2012, the charity purchased its current headquarters on the Great North Road in Gosforth, naming it Daft as a Brush House. The service was officially launched on BBC One's The One Show.

Burnie stepped down from day-to-day running of the charity on his 80th birthday, with general manager and trustee Alan Butler taking over operations.

Based in Gosforth

Daft as a Brush House sits on the Great North Road in Gosforth (NE3 2DR), with ample parking for the ambulance fleet. It's a genuine Gosforth institution — the ambulances are a daily sight along the Great North Road and through the surrounding streets.

The charity is entirely funded by donations. Rising fuel costs have added over £1,400 per month to operating expenses in recent years, making ongoing fundraising essential.

How You Can Help

Volunteer as a driver or companion — the charity is always looking for new volunteers. Drivers use the charity's ambulances (full training provided) and companions ride alongside patients, providing company and reassurance during journeys. Shifts are flexible. Apply through the Daft as a Brush website.

Donate — every contribution goes directly to patient support services. Donate by phone (0191 28 55 999), online via JustGiving, or by contacting the charity directly. Regular giving helps the charity plan ahead.

Fundraise — schools, businesses, and community groups across the North East regularly organise events for Daft as a Brush. The charity can provide materials and support for anyone who wants to get involved.

Best for: Daft as a Brush House is at Great North Road, Gosforth, NE3 2DR. Phone: 0191 28 55 999. Registered Charity No. 328432.

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Know someone who could use the service? Patients and families can arrange free transport by calling 0191 28 55 999 — no referral needed.