Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group deliver a free patient transport scheme so that Cancer Patients can get to hospital for life saving treatment, this includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The areas covered are right across County Durham and Darlington.
Many patients don’t have access to transport, they could be too poorly, can’t drive or simply don’t have any family. Being diagnosed with cancer is hard enough, but then to face another challenge on getting to the hospitals, this is why our charity help as many patients as they can.
Our Volunteer drivers are amazing, they give their own time to help others when patients are at their lowest. The charity pays the mileage each month to the drivers which went from £400 pre covid to now over £4000, this is such an invaluable service so we do need help from businesses or individuals to keep it going.
Hazel (Volunteer driver) – I love being a volunteer. When I first started I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I soon realised there was nothing to be nervous about. The people you meet are some of the bravest people I know and you end up making friends with them, it’s a honour to be able to help them. There are so many people suffering with cancer, I would ask people if you have spare time on your hands, give volunteering a go. You will get so much out of it. Help them and it will help you.
This used to be a Monday to Friday role but due to so many people being diagnosed with cancer, the hospitals are asking us to take patients for scans and other cancer related appointments.
We are making an urgent plea for more Volunteer drivers just even one day per week would help so much. Drivers are needed from the Ferryhill + Chilton area.
If you can help the charity please contact Marianne on 07442991859 or email gacsg[.]online[@]gmail[.]com.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
