A COMMUNITY interest company has been created to secure the future of a bus service used by Islanders with cancer undergoing treatment in Southampton Hospital.
It was announced last month that the ‘Daisy Bus’ shuttle, which transports Channel Islands and Isle of Wight patients to their appointments, would cease operations following a decision by Jersey’s government to withdraw funding, citing a decline in the number of users.
Jersey’s health department instead said it would offer funded taxis as an alternative form of transport.
But people from both Islands nonetheless campaigned to retain the service, which they said had been an important way for patients to make connections with others going through a similar experience.
Following a fundraising drive which led to the successful reinstatement of the service, the team behind the ‘Save the Daisy Bus’ campaign have now confirmed that a Community Interest Company (CIC) has been created to safeguard its future for the benefit of all users.
In a statement, the group – led by Michèle Le Quesne-Newton – confirmed that they plan to purchase a vehicle for the service, which will be renamed as the Daisy Ring Bus.
While the group has already raised more than £12,000 with the help of around 300 donors, the group said they had now set a new milestone of £20,000.
The service costs £1,000 a week to run, with many describing the shuttle a “lifeline” for cancer patients.
Ms Le Quesne Newton, chair of the new group, said: “The initial response was phenomenal. Patients are so grateful for the support of the community – it’s been truly humbling,” she said, adding that more of their plans for the service would be unveiled over the coming weeks.
Islanders can donate to the fundraiser by heading to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savethedaisybus.
