Volunteer Drivers urgently needed by Irish Cancer Society in Meath

The Irish Cancer Society is urgently seeking Meath-based volunteer drivers to help bring cancer patients to and from their treatments.

Volunteer drivers located in the county are being sought to drive patients who are undergoing cancer treatment to and from hospital.

The Irish Cancer Society Transport Service helps to ease the strain of travel on cancer patients, who often find it hard to get to and from hospital because of transportation costs or they might not be feeling well enough to drive themselves because of their treatment.

This vital service is completely free for patients. Last year, the Irish Cancer Society provided just under 1,600 journeys for cancer patients in Meath and over 22,000 journeys nationwide.

The Volunteer Driver role is weekdays only and drivers will need access to their own car and be able to commit a full two days each month to the service. The rivers receive expenses from the Irish Cancer Society to pay for their fuel costs, road tolls and food while waiting for the patient.

Irish Cancer Society volunteer driver Annmarie O’Donnell from Trim said, “When I retired, I knew I had extra time and wanted to volunteer. I loved the flexibility of the volunteer driver position, I find it very rewarding and would encourage anyone considering it, to reach out and find out more information.

“I think that a patient undergoing cancer treatment is very vulnerable and any act of kindness is of benefit to them, especially a practical one like driving. I think their partners are also appreciative of a ‘day to themselves’! I consider myself lucky to be able to help and am very grateful.”

More information about applying for a Volunteer Driver role can be found at http://www.cancer.ie/volunteer-driver-service or by emailing volunteer@irishcancer.ie