Philanthropist Brian Burnie, the driving force behind charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, is set to retire.

The Newcastle based charity, borne of Burnie's generosity, provides complimentary transportation for thousands of cancer patients.

Patients from across the area, including places such as Ponteland and Bellingham, have benefited from the work of the charity.

Starting in 2010, the charity offers essential services to communities, allowing them to travel to healthcare facilities for free.

79-year-old Brian's noteworthy dedication to charitable activities spans over 50 years.

In 1989, Burnie aided in organising the world’s largest children's party in Newcastle's Town Moor, raising over £260,000 for a doctor at the Children’s Heart Unit at Freeman Hospital.

He has offered respite to young people affected by Chernobyl’s nuclear disaster and cycled from Berlin to Warsaw benefiting Marie Curie.

Amidst these efforts, he even secured a Guinness World Record for the most servings of fish and chips, served to thousands of ex-servicemen, war veterans and their families at his former family home, Doxford Hall.

In recent times, Burnie created an Annual VJ Memorial Walk from Newcastle to Sunderland, honouring Far East Prisoners of War and his friend, Mr Len Gibson, (BEM).

Mr Burnie said: "I’ve decided that on my 80th Birthday in June 2024, I’ll step back from the day-to-day running of Daft as a Brush. "I feel the time is right to let the team take control and expand our services to help even more cancer patients. "Over the next six or so months, I’ll be handing over the leadership role to one of the charity’s Trustees, Mr Alan Butler who has recently been taken-on as General Manager.

Alan said he has "big shoes to fill".

He said: "I feel very honoured to be asked to take the charity forward, but longer term, no single person will stand as leader.

"The exceptional 400 plus volunteers are the backbone to the organisation, so I want everyone to have a voice with clear and effective communications.

"I’m very excited and also slightly overcome!

"Daft as a Brush is a very much-loved charity in our community."

On October 21, at the charity's 'Last Night of the Proms' concert, Brian will officially announce his retirement.