We're calling on Sunderland's help in providing free transport for hospital patients

Each year, Sunderland Empire chooses a charity to support with its end of show bucket donations, which last year raised £12,000 for a good cause.

For 2026, it’s been announced that donations will go to Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, as well as a continued support of Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust.

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care have been selected for their dedication to providing free transport to and from hospital appointments for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a service which has been a support for a number of theatre staff and their families.

The charity is powered by more than 300 dedicated volunteers, many with a close association to cancer who offer a friendly, reliable and comfortable service throughout each patient’s journey to recovery.

After beginning with just one ambulance and a few volunteers, the charity now completes thousands of patient journeys each year with their fleet of shiny new Ford ambulances.

Andrea Glover, CEO of Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care Charitable Trust said:“We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen as one of the nominated charities this year at Sunderland Empire theatre.

“Your support, and that of your generous audiences and the wider community, help us continue providing free cancer patient transport across the region, ensuring people can reach their vital treatment safely, comfortably and without financial worry.

“Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every act of kindness helps us reach more patients who struggle with transport to and from hospital. Partnerships like this make a huge difference every single day.”

Sunderland Empire also continue their support of Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust, a not-for-profit charity which enables the theatre’s award-winning ATG INSPIRE Sunderland team to continue delivering their programme which educates through engagement.

As well as working with local schools, recent ATG Inspire projects have included weekly workshops with diverse groups such as Movers Ballet and Contemporary Dance (for adults over 55), Community Chorus, Connect Theatre Company (an inclusive theatre group for adults with additional needs), ATG INSPIRE Academy Sunderland and more.

Sarah Marden, Creative Learning Producer at ATG INSPIRE Sunderland said:“At ATG INSPIRE Sunderland, we believe theatre has the power to bring people together and make a real difference to the communities around our venue.

“We search for creative ways to open up our theatre to everyone, from theatre craft workshops in venue and in schools, to creative careers education for local university students and those currently not in work, we want to open up our venue to everyone.

“We strive to reach those who face barriers to participation and take people on a journey of creativity and self-expression, helping to build confidence, teamwork and a social network of others with similar interests. Kind donations to ATG INSPIRE do truly make a difference in helping us to achieve those goals.”

As well as donations from the fundraising buckets at shows, Empire staff will be taking part in sports days, seasonal craft workshops, Yorkshire 3 Peaks walking challenges, Great North Run participation, coffee mornings and more.