TEAM VALLEY-based SOS Group is supporting a North East charity’s challenge to promote free cancer patient transport.

Brian Burnie, founder of Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, is undertaking a 7,000 mile walk to raise awareness of the charity, which provides a free transport service to and from the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Brian’s aim is to fundraise for and encourage the creation of ‘HUBS’ that can be managed and run locally across the country, allowing Daft as a Brush services to be accessed nationally.

To do this, Brian and his team of volunteer walkers and supporters, are walking around the coastal paths of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. A challenge that will take just over two years to complete.

They will be accompanied by the Bluebell Bus, a converted ‘double decker’, which will be their accommodation and a base throughout the walk.

Andrew Skelton, director at SOS Group, plans to join the walkers on some of the more accessible sections of coastline and said: “We’re very proud to support Brian and the Daft as a Brush volunteers undertaking this challenge.

“The work the charity funds is absolutely invaluable and takes a financial and practical burden off the shoulders of cancer patients when they most need support. It would be a truly great thing to see the work of Daft as a Brush replicated around the country.”

Brian Burnie, who is funding the day-to-day running of Bluebell and the journey costs himself, said: “We’re very grateful to have the support of SOS Group who have provided this vital addition to our micro-office on Bluebell Bus. It will be used every single day on what will be a difficult challenge.

“Taking Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care nationwide has always been our dream and this is our opportunity to make it a reality.”

SOS Group Ltd launched in 2002 to supply digital office equipment, related software and support. It is based on the Team Valley, with an additional office in Bristol, and services ‘blue chip’ clients nationally and, increasingly, internationally.

The company has provided digital office equipment services at a number of high-profile sporting events over the last year, including the IAAF World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships in London, the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and the British Swimming Summer Championships and Special Olympics GB National Games in Sheffield.

For more information, please visit www.bluebellbus.org.uk.