By Isle of Wight Observer
It may have seemed to have gone quiet since the withdrawal of the much-loved Daisy Bus, operated by Wessex Cancer Support, and the initial flurry of fund-raising in August, but behind the scenes, a team has been working tirelessly to make sure the essential service continues. It has now come back stronger, Island-based, and with a new name: The Daisy Ring Bus.
The free, dedicated bus service transports passengers from Southampton’s Red Jet Terminal to Southampton Hospital, avoiding a lengthy public bus trip or expensive taxi journey.
The service was withdrawn after Jersey changed the way it funded transport for its own cancer patients. For many years, Isle of Wight patients had been included in the scheme – and its withdrawal, with only three weeks’ notice, caused shock and concern across the Island.
The newly formed Daisy Ring CIC (Community Interest Company) has now taken the reins, led by a dedicated group of volunteers and directors who have all given their time and expertise freely. Thanks to generous public support and determined fund-raising, the team has now purchased their own vehicle, ending reliance on the costly taxi service used in the interim and putting the service well and truly back on the road.
The new bus – a high-quality second-hand vehicle chosen to get the service running as quickly as possible – went into operation on Tuesday, following a special visit to the Legal Service on Monday. There, the team were honoured to meet the Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, the High Sheriffs of Hampshire (Sue Elston) and the Isle of Wight (Jacque Gazzard), Ian Dore, the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Bishop of Portsmouth Dr Jonathan Frost, and IW East MP Joe Robertson, among other guests.
In another major milestone, Daisy Ring CIC has reached a generous agreement with Red Funnel, who are now providing parking for the bus in Southampton, travel for volunteers, and cross-Solent tickets for the vehicle itself. This vital support ensures the service can continue to connect Island patients with essential mainland treatment.
Volunteer drivers have now been trained and are ready to serve patients, ensuring the Daisy Ring Bus can continue its mission of supporting Islanders through some of their most difficult journeys.
Michèle Le Quesne of Newtown, chairman of Daisy Ring CIC, said: “It’s been an incredible few months of hard work, determination, and community spirit. Setting up a CIC, raising funds, training our amazing volunteer drivers, and buying a bus – it’s been a whirlwind. But the support from the public has been nothing short of overwhelming. People really care about this service, and we’re proud to be back on the road.
“But we’re not stopping here – we’ll be fund-raising and applying for grants to buy a new vehicle as soon as we can.
“As I always say: we can do this.”
For updates, volunteering opportunities, or to donate, please follow the Daisy Ring Bus on Facebook or visit daisyringbus.org.
