John joined our patient transport service in September 2022 and shortly after, Susan joined in January 2023. The duo helps us with the 1.2 million patient transport journeys we make each year, taking patients to and from medical appointments. 

John said: “Susan and I have been unfortunate in knowing several people in our lives who’ve been really poorly, including Susan’s brother, Ian, whom we lost sadly to cancer. Most of them have had to use the NHS so we know how fantastic the service is.

“We wanted to give something back and use our time in a meaningful capacity. We’d already started volunteering with Guide Dogs in January 2021, fostering dogs in training, but this didn’t take up time during the day. Susan was also volunteering with a local charity calling in on elderly people and helping with a weekly luncheon club.

“We were aware of the patient transport service as a result of Ian’s treatment (although he never had to use it), so once Coronavirus restrictions ended and recruitment restarted, it was an ideal opportunity for us.”

John and Susan volunteer with us on different days – John works Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, whilst Susan works on Wednesdays. This works best for them to fit around their other commitments.

When asked what the best bits of being a voluntary car driver are, the pair said: “Meeting a wide variety of people and knowing you’re making a difference to their lives by taking away the worry of how they’ll get to appointments. What’s better than sitting around all day talking to people whilst doing something good?

“If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community and meet new people, we would recommend joining North West Ambulance Service’s volunteer car driver scheme.”

Vacancies are open now across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cumbria, apply now.