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One of our Volunteer Drivers is urging local people to get behind the wheel and support our important transport service.
Neil Carter, a Retired IT Director who lives locally, takes patients to and from our Hospice, in Hatch Lane, Windsor, to access therapy services. Therapy is vital for local people facing a life-limiting illness allowing them to remain independent, build their confidence and maintain a good quality of life. However, to meet the demands of the growing number of patients using our services, more drivers are needed.
Neil hopes by shining a light on his role, he can drive applications. He said: "33 years in a large corporation moulds the way that you live and work, so to suddenly give that all up and be free was a big change. I wanted to put some sort of structure back into the week and I was looking to do something that was worthwhile and also involved people. I've lost friends, colleagues and family members to The Big C and I've seen the amazing care Hospices give first-hand, so it almost became the natural choice for me."
For some patients, this is the only time they get to meet other people in a similar situation, and their time at the Hospice means their loved ones can also enjoy valuable respite.
Neil added: "The round-trip usually takes just over an hour; I listen to Radio 2 and enjoy a good old chinwag on the way to the Hospice. I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and the structure of a Tuesday or Wednesday drive and sometimes an ad hoc drive, is a perfect combination for me. Driving someone around for six weeks gives me a great window into their life, and it's a short enough period that we never run out of conversation. The reason I volunteer for the Hospice is to make things a little easier for the patients and hopefully to help make someone smile - for me that is priceless."
Driver shifts take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays - dropping patients from the local community to our Hospice at 10am and picking them up at 1.30pm. To apply, you will need a full, clean driving licence and a car, fuel expenses are reimbursed and training provided.