Daisy Ring Bus Raises £3,250 At First Anniversary Celebration

An Isle of Wight patient transport service has celebrated its first anniversary with an event raising £3,250.

Daisy Ring Bus CIC welcomed volunteers, supporters, businesses and community groups to Northwood House in Cowes on Sunday 23rd August.

The organisation provides community-run transport for Island cancer patients travelling to hospitals in Southampton and Portsmouth for treatment.

The anniversary event featured performances from FaT Samba, Wight Diamonds, IOW Pipes & Drums and Vectis Brass Band, alongside other entertainment and fundraising activities.

A raffle raised £1,960, while Daisy Ring Bus received donations of £400 from Sandown Bay Over 50’s Club and £200 from the Yarbrough Chapter.

The organisation also recognised Phoenix Pre-Loved Store, which has raised £18,500 for the service through sales of donated clothing and other goods.

The celebration fulfilled a longstanding ambition of 80-year-old Rex Goldsmith, who continues to help coordinate and recruit volunteer drivers for the service.

Chair Michèle Le Quesne Newton thanked those who had supported Daisy Ring Bus during its first year, saying every donation and volunteer hour helped maintain a service which makes “a genuine difference to people’s lives”.