You may remember before the pandemic we asked you the public to be our next Star In A Car by sparing a little of your own time to become a Volunteer Car Driver. We have a great team of drivers that provide transport to over 1 MILLION patient journeys across the north west, every year – and we need YOU to join us to support people in your community who need it most.

Our existing volunteers, who have been giving back to the ambulance service for many years, were keen to share their experience and to help spread the word on this much-needed service.

Meet Peadar, who’s own health journey inspired him to help others said: “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and after many surgeries and visits to the hospital, I worried how I would get myself home. The Patient Transport Service quickly stepped in and took care of me, getting me where I needed to be when I needed it most. Now I’m a volunteer driver, giving back to people that gave so much to me – it’s the most rewarding role I have ever done.”

Husband and wife, William and Dee from Cumbria see the value in the company they bring to the patients they drive: “We have been volunteer drivers for several years. We enjoy having a chat with our patient passengers, sometimes we are the only people patients have seen for a while and they can be nervous and anxious. Hopefully we help cheer them up a little and reassure them during the journey to or from hospital.”

Volunteer Abdul decided to join PTS after a life-saving experience, he said: “After the ambulance service saved my life five years ago, I decided I needed to give something back. I like to interact with people and I love to help people to make their lives easier and manageable – so by volunteering driving for the Patient Transport service, I can offer a caring service, making a person’s journey as comfortable as possible. Care, compassion, patience and attention to detail is all you need!”

So, if you enjoy driving and have a bit of spare time, you really can make a life-changing difference as a Star in a Car. You’ll be supporting North West Ambulance Service too – and we can’t thank you enough for that.

Read more and apply now: Current vacancies – NWAS – North West Ambulance Service