Rail operator Lumo backs North East cancer transport charity

A Newcastle-based cancer transport charity is set to receive a boost after being named the official charity partner of open-access rail operator Lumo.

From January, passengers claiming compensation through Lumo’s Delay Repay scheme will be able to donate their refunds directly to Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care. The charity provides free transport for cancer patients across the North of England, helping them reach chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments that are critical to their treatment.

The new partnership will also see Lumo promote the charity’s work more widely across the region, shining a spotlight on the volunteers who support patients every day. Daft As A Brush is currently appealing for additional volunteers, with particular demand in the Durham and Sunderland areas.

Lumo, which is headquartered in the North East, said the partnership reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting communities along the East Coast Main Line. The operator has previously backed a range of charitable and community initiatives aimed at creating positive social impact.

Daft As A Brush operates a door-to-door service, collecting patients from their homes and taking them to hospital appointments in a safe and comfortable environment. Where needed, a volunteer companion remains with patients throughout their treatment before ensuring they are returned home in preparation for their next visit. The charity completes thousands of journeys each year using a fleet of distinctive blue ambulances and the support of hundreds of volunteers.

Jen Clare, Service Delivery Director at Lumo, said:

“Supporting inspirational people from the communities that we’re proud to be a part of is very important to us at Lumo and you can’t get more inspirational than the work by the team at Daft As A Brush. They provide an essential service for cancer patients and it’s a privilege to be able to support them in their work. As part of our partnership, we’ll also be supporting the charity as they continue to expand their services to support even more people. A range of Lumo colleagues will be providing their expertise for the charity, which relies on the good will of amazing volunteers. Our customers will also have a quick and easy way to support them too, by directly donating any Delay Repay funds to the charity.”

Andrea Glover, CEO of Daft As A Brush, added:

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Lumo - a collaboration that brings together our shared commitment to community, compassion and sustainability as we move towards fully electric ambulances. By working with Lumo, our message can reach more people, raising greater awareness of the support we provide to cancer patients on a national stage. Our aim is to ensure that more people living with cancer can access free transport to and from hospital appointments. This partnership is about showing what can be achieved when charities and forward-thinking organisations come together for the public good.”

Image: Lumo