On Monday 26th of October, employees from EGGER UK's Hexham manufacturing plant officially handed over Daft as a Brush's first-ever electric ambulance.
The new vehicle, named the EGGER Express, will provide free transport for cancer patients travelling to chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments across the North East. As the first electric ambulance in the charity's fleet, it represents an important milestone in helping Daft as a Brush deliver its services more sustainably while reducing operating costs.
Daft as a Brush was built on the belief that nobody battling cancer should have to worry about how they will get to treatment. Every year, the charity's volunteer drivers complete thousands of journeys, providing not only transport but also reassurance and companionship to people facing some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Andrea Glover, CEO of Daft as a Brush, said: "EGGER is providing vital support by donating the first ever electric ambulance in our fleet. This will allow us to cut down on fuel costs and run our operation more sustainably, whilst continuing to provide free, reliable transport for cancer patients travelling to and from hospital for treatment."
The ambulance is the result of a two-year fundraising partnership between Daft as a Brush and EGGER UK. More than 650 employees from the company's Hexham plant helped raise £48,000 through a combination of company funding and employee-led fundraising activities.
The vehicle was named EGGER Express following a staff competition, while employees' children contributed drawings of the EGGER factory and local landmarks, including Hexham Abbey. These were brought together by the Daft as a Brush team to create the colourful design that now decorates the ambulance.
While £20,000 was provided directly by EGGER UK, the remaining £28,000 was raised through employee initiatives. Colleagues came together to support the cause through activities including the Great North Run, the Three Peaks Challenge, the Inflatable 5K, bake sales, charity games and a golf competition.
Many employees took part in this year's Great North Run, including marketing apprentice Abi McLean, who completed the event for the first time. Abi said: "I started training six months before the run and felt so proud to finish it, having raised £680 for Daft as a Brush. It was definitely a strong motivator." Her fundraising was boosted by EGGER Runs, a company initiative that donates €5 for every kilometre completed by employees.
In May of this year, a small group of EGGER employees had completed the Three Peaks Challenge ascending the UK’s highest peaks in less than 23 hours. Their efforts raised over £4,000 for Daft as a Bush.
With the two-year fundraising project now complete, employees are admiring the EGGER Express and celebrating what they achieved together. Andy Sanderson, Chair of EGGER’s Charity Committee, congratulated everyone involved and thanked the team at Daft as a Brush:
“It was a pleasure working with Daft as a Brush and having them as our headline charity for the past two years. Their volunteers even joined us at our staff summer party in June, hosting a fundraising penalty shoot-out and speaking to our employees and their families about the incredible work they do.”
EGGER is now inviting applications from charities looking for support with a project, initiative or fundraising campaign over the next two years.
“We're proud to support causes that make a real difference to people and communities across the North East,” said Andy. “As we begin the search for our next headline charity partner, we're keen to hear from organisations with a clear vision and a project where our fundraising efforts can have a meaningful impact. If you think we could work together, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected].”
Daft as a Brush are looking for new volunteer drivers and companions in the Tynedale area, any interested can fill the form available on their website.
