Isle of Wight, Jersey Communities Save Southampton Cancer Bus Service

The Daisy Bus, a vital transport service for cancer patients traveling from the Isle of Wight and Jersey to Southampton Hospital, was saved from closure after the Government of Jersey withdrew funding citing high costs and falling passenger numbers. Local communities, particularly on the Isle of Wight, launched a successful fundraising campaign that raised over £10,000 within days, enabling the service to continue without interruption. The bus service, operated by Wessex Cancer Support and local NHS trusts but not funded by the NHS, provides essential, dignified transport and emotional support for vulnerable patients. Organizers, led by campaign chairman Michele Newton, emphasized the importance of the service beyond transportation, highlighting its role in fostering camaraderie among patients undergoing difficult treatments. While the immediate future of the Daisy Bus is secured, efforts are ongoing to establish a sustainable, long-term funding model through donations, sponsorships, volunteer support, and potential collaboration between the Isle of Wight and Jersey governments. Community involvement remains crucial to maintaining this lifeline for cancer patients traveling for treatment.