By Carole Dennett
A new community-led campaign has been launched to save the Daisy Bus, a vital transport service for Isle of Wight cancer patients travelling to the mainland for treatment. The service is due to cease operations next week unless urgent funding can be secured.
The Save the Daisy Bus Appeal has now been formally established with the support of the Island’s Umbrella Cancer Group and other Island-based organisations. Michele Newton has been elected as chairman of the appeal and is spearheading efforts to raise funds and recruit volunteers to keep the wheels turning next week – while also putting together a long-term plan.
“For many cancer patients, the Daisy Bus is more than just transport – it’s a lifeline,” said Michele. “It offers dignity, reliability, and peace of mind at a time when people are facing some of the hardest days of their lives. We are not going to allow this service to disappear. We have put together a committee to look into long-term solutions. Not all the information we need is immediately available, but we need to keep the bus on the road.”
The appeal also has the active support of the Island’s two MPs – Richard Quigley (IW West) and Joe Robertson (IW East).
Mr Quigley said: “My inbox has been filled with people asking what they can do to save the Daisy bus. It’s brought the best out of our Island community, with no shortage of offers of help to find a solution and potentially find funding to keep it going.
“Most Islanders will know someone who has used it and know that it provides an essential service for Islanders needing treatment in Southampton. It gives them peace of mind at such a difficult time. My thanks go out to the community for coming forward to help. People like Michele, businesses like Wight Coaches and others who are all coming together to find practicable solutions. I’d encourage people to get behind the campaign.”
Mr Robertson added: “The decision to withdraw funding for the Daisy Bus service for those travelling to UHS in Southampton is deeply disappointing and will have a significant impact on Islanders. Both the Southampton and Portsmouth services are vital and are a life-line to many Islanders who need to travel for treatment. Vulnerable patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy need to have access to comfortable, reliable, and pain-free transport options.
“I will be working with Michele Newton and as a member of the steering group of the ‘Save the Daisy Bus’ campaign, I am keen to support Michele and the team to find a workable solution and maintain this life-line service for Islanders.”
Steering group member Carole Dennett, who is also the editor of the IW Observer added: “The Daisy Bus is not just transport – the mutual support of patients and the help and care of the drivers helps patients through their treatment and all the stress and worry that comes with being treated for cancer – let alone the expense of travel. Please help if you can.”
The appeal is now seeking donations to cover immediate operating costs, as well as support from volunteer drivers, fundraisers and other people willing to give their expertise and time to support the appeal. Every contribution – whether financial or practical – will help ensure that no Islander has to worry about how they’ll travel to get to vital life-saving treatment on the mainland.
To donate or get involved, visit the campaign’s GoFundMe page or contact savethedaisybus@gmail.com. You can also sign up to keep informed about the campaign on Facebook – Save the Daisy Bus
