By Isle of Wight Observer
Wessex Cancer Support (WCS) on Thursday confirmed it is to cease providing the Portsmouth Daisy Bus, with the service transferring to the Island-based Daisy Ring Bus Community Interest Company (CIC) from January 5, 2026.
The announcement follows months of speculation about the future of the service, which transport patients from the Southsea Hover terminal to QA Hospital, after the charity ceased providing the equivalent service in Southampton. The change will mean both buses will be managed by the Island organisation.
Michele Le Quesne Newton, chairman of Daisy Ring Bus CIC, said: “It’s a sobering thought that we will be available to transport any Islander with cancer who needs radiotherapy or chemotherapy in Southampton or Portsmouth. We’ve got you, dear patients – we can do this.”
A WCS spokeswoman welcomed the change and added it would allow the charity to focus on its core mission of providing emotional and psychological support to those affected by cancer.
Due to re branding, safety checks, and servicing, the Portsmouth Daisy Bus will not operate between December 22 and January 5.
East Wight MP Joe Robertson said: “I am delighted to hear that both buses are to be brought under the control of Daisy Ring Bus CIC. This will help to safeguard the future of both vital transport links for patients accessing treatment at mainland hospitals. My thanks to Michèle and the team of volunteers and fundraisers who work tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of Islanders.”
Financial questions
While the transfer of the Portsmouth Daisy Bus has been welcomed, there are unanswered questions about the previous funding of the WCS services.
The Southampton service was withdrawn after the States of Jersey ended its £55,750 annual funding to Southampton Hospital and WCS. In contrast, WCS said the Portsmouth service costs “just over £30,000 per year to deliver, plus some additional overheads”. The overheads may be significant, as the charity’s annual accounts for 2024 show one employee earned between £90,000 and £100,000. By comparison, the Daisy Ring Bus CIC has five volunteer directors and volunteer drivers whenever possible.
WCS has also received many donations from Islanders and charitable organisations, including £12,852 from the Isle of Wight Foundation in 2021. In a press release a WCS spokeswoman said: “The grant from the IW Foundation will help fund our minibus service for a year, covering lease payments on our buses,” with no other costs mentioned.
However, the Portsmouth bus was purchased outright in 2019 with grants from the Clothworkers’ Foundation and Football for Cancer, while the Southampton bus was fully funded by Jersey.
When asked about the apparent discrepancy, a WCS spokesman said the reference to leasing was an “error on our website” adding that annual costs include repairs, maintenance, safety checks, fuel, insurance and driver salaries.
The IW Observer has asked whether the charity can confirm that no application was made for leasing costs and whether it is willing to release the financial breakdown for both buses. The spokesman said he could not share that information at present but would consult the board at their meeting next week.
Ms Le Quesne Newton said she could not comment on the issue, but added that her group intends to increase the Portsmouth Daisy Ring Bus services in 2026, and she would welcome Islanders’ views on what is needed. You can email savethedaisybus@gmail.com or comment on the Daisy Ring Bus Facebook page.
