You don’t need to be Daft As A Brush to lend a hand at Quorum

Anyone who works at Quorum Park will be well aware that as part of our operational strategy, we want to help create a better world in partnership with both members of our park community, and people and organisations across the wider region.

Sometimes, that can involve what seems like the big stuff, such as working to minimise climate change, but at other times, such as through our recent collaboration with Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care, we’re reminded that small, private gestures of appreciation are just as vital.

Many people across the North East will know of the main work of Daft As a Brush, which transports cancer patients to and from hospitals for their chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments free of charge. But did you know that every year, the organisation’s founder, Brian Burnie, creates more than 2,000 special Christmas hampers to thank his staff, hundreds of volunteers and supporters for the hard work they put in, day in and day out, which is no small task?

So where does Quorum Park come in? Brian, who pays for the hampers privately at no cost to the charity, explains: “Each hamper contains a variety of coffee, tea, jams, biscuits and treats, plus a limited edition Daft as a Brush coffee mug, and this year is extra special as we've partnered with local supplier Ringtons.

“However, packing more than 2,000 hampers isn't easy; volunteers take time to make this happen, with countless hours of planning and preparation. Space for this at our Gosforth office is very limited, and despite amazing support from Northern Floorcraft on many deliveries, we had a huge and urgent need for additional space to enable this year’s distribution.

“We reached out to Laura McGrath at Quorum Park in the hope we could secure a 'hub' for storage and logistics.”

Fortunately, we were able to offer a suitable space at Q11 and now work is underway to help Daft As A Brush spread Christmas cheer a little wider this year.

Laura, our Sustainability and Community Director said: “For us, this wasn’t just about providing a storage space, but about enabling the huge number of Daft As A Brush staff and volunteers packing these hampers to feel really appreciated while doing so.”

Brian continued: “With such an enormous logistical challenge, to say I was relieved when Laura came to the rescue is an understatement, as our fantastic volunteers are the backbone of the charity; they transport and support thousands of patients each year on their journey to recovery. They relieve the stress and anxiety of getting to and from hospital on a daily basis, and I cannot thank them enough.

“These hampers are one way in which I say thank you, but what started as a simple idea has become overwhelming, so to Laura and the team at Quorum Park that have made this possible, thank you all so much.

“In addition to substantial office space with 24/7 access, our team members have been invited to use the park’s superb facilities, including a meeting area and a chill out zone for a refreshing cuppa, a game of pool or simply to put their feet-up for a break.

“We are exceptionally grateful for these world-class facilities that are conveniently located within a vibrant and happy community.”

Laura added: “Thank you to everyone at Quorum Park for giving Brian and his team such a warm welcome. We are glad to be in a position to help, and are glad Brian picked up the phone to ask; after all, shy bairns get nowt!”

A passionate team of more than 400 volunteers use a fleet of 40+ Daft As A Brush Cancer Patient Care ambulances to make around 60,000 cancer patient journeys each year. Find out more about the charity and its work at daftasabrush.org.uk.