Daft as a Brush: The Gosforth Charity That's Completed 100,000 Cancer Patient Journeys a Year

If you drive along the Great North Road in Gosforth, you'll spot a fleet of unmistakable blue ambulances parked outside a handsome brick building. They belong to Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care — and the story behind them is one of the most extraordinary in the North East.

One Man's Mission

Brian Burnie grew up in Newcastle's east end in the 1940s and 50s, raised by parents who taught him it was better to give than to receive. That principle shaped his entire life. After decades as a successful businessman and tireless fundraiser — including organising what was claimed to be the world's largest children's party on the Town Moor — Burnie turned his attention to a problem he'd seen up close: cancer patients struggling to get to hospital for treatment.

In 2010, he did something remarkable. He sold his Northumberland hotel, Doxford Hall, and donated the proceeds — reportedly around £16 million — to transform his charity into a dedicated cancer patient transport service. In 2012, he bought the headquarters on the Great North Road in Gosforth and launched the service live on BBC One's The One Show.

Then He Walked 7,000 Miles

As if building the charity from scratch wasn't enough, in 2018 Burnie — who has Parkinson's disease — set off to walk the entire coastline of Britain and Ireland. His goal: raise £4 million and spread the word about Daft as a Brush so the service could go nationwide.

He walked for over two and a half years. He wore through nine pairs of boots. He took more than 15 million steps. He married his partner Cheryl on the Isle of Skye along the way, and the couple lived in a converted double-decker bus throughout the journey. When coronavirus lockdowns halted his walk in March 2020 with almost 6,000 miles completed, Burnie — inspired by Captain Tom Moore — completed the remaining distance by walking laps of his garden and a local golf course before resuming the route.

On 23rd September 2020, Brian crossed the finish line at the Baltic in Gateshead. 7,036 miles. One man with Parkinson's, walking the coast of two countries, to make sure cancer patients don't travel to treatment alone.

What Daft as a Brush Does Today

From its Gosforth base, the charity now operates:

• 33 specially adapted ambulances — each adopted by a local primary school
• Over 400 volunteers — drivers, companions, and support staff
• Around 100,000 patient journeys completed every year
• Coverage from the Scottish Borders to North Yorkshire and west into Cumbria

Every journey is completely free. No referral is needed — patients or their families simply phone to arrange transport. Volunteer drivers use the charity's ambulances (full training provided) and volunteer companions ride alongside patients, providing company and reassurance during what can be a frightening and exhausting experience.

The charity also runs a Fast Track service for palliative and specialist care, and recently acquired a specially adapted ambulance with child-friendly seating for young patients at the Great North Children's Hospital.

In 2016, Daft as a Brush received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services — the MBE equivalent for volunteer organisations.

A Gosforth Institution

Daft as a Brush House on the Great North Road (NE3 2DR) is a genuine Gosforth landmark. The colourful ambulances are a daily sight along the high street, heading out to collect patients from across the region and bring them safely to the Freeman Hospital and the RVI.

The charity is entirely funded by donations. Rising fuel costs have added significantly to operating expenses in recent years, and the fleet is beginning a transition to electric vehicles — making ongoing fundraising more important than ever.

How to Help

Need the service? Call 0191 28 55 999. No referral needed — patients and families can arrange free transport directly.

Volunteer — the charity is always looking for drivers and companions. Shifts are flexible and full training is provided. Apply at daftasabrush.org.uk.

Donate — every contribution goes directly to patient transport. Call 0191 28 55 999 or donate online.

Fundraise — schools, businesses, and community groups across the region regularly organise events. The charity provides materials and support for anyone who wants to get involved.

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

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Brian Burnie stepped down from day-to-day running of the charity on his 80th birthday, but the operation he built from nothing continues to grow. If you know someone going through cancer treatment, one phone call can take the stress of travel off their plate entirely.