An appeal has been issued for more volunteer drivers to assist with North Ayrshire Cancer Care - a regional cancer support group which provides support for cancer patients and their families.
One of their key services is that they transfer people to and from hospitals for pre, during and post-treatment visits covering the Beatson, Crosshouse, and Inverclyde Hospitals, but can go further afield if need be.
The charity also provides counselling services for patients and their families, post-treatment complementary therapies such as stress management for patients and their families,and free loan provision of items of special equipment that may be required.
The total running costs for the charity come to £175,000 per year, and is funded by the revenue from their six shops throughout North Ayrshire, based in Largs, West Kilbride, Ardrossan, Stevenston and Kilwinning.
Revenue from their six shops makes up 55 per cent of their income, with donations and bequests making up most of the rest.
Their drivers cover an impressive 220,000 miles per year, and take around 70 appointments a week.
Trustee and driver Iain Sidey said: "When you think about it, in terms of miles per year, 220,000 is almost enough to reach the moon!
"A lot of people don't realise that the North Ayrshire Cancer Care charity shops dotted around the district including the bookshops in Largs and West Kilbride go towards providing this service, and many are not aware that this service even exists.
"We’d love to have more volunteers as drivers, shop colleagues or transport co-ordinators, so if you have some spare time and are willing to help, please do get in touch.
"We are also on the lookout for shop volunteers as sometimes we have to open more limited hours as we don't have enough people to man the shops.
"We think there is a lot more need out there for our services, and we now have a new website, new Facebook page and have had a re-branding.
"We also offer some complimentary therapies and Reiki treatments in Muirside Lodge including counselling services."
The service is entirely run by volunteers and would welcome any new colleagues whether as drivers, transport organisers or working in one of the shops which include the following - Largs Bookshop, 105 Main Street, West Kilbride Bookshop, 114 Main Street, West Kilbride NA Cancer Care shop 77 Main Street, Ardrossan, 54-56 Glasgow Street, Stevenston, 43 New Street, and Kilwinning, 69 Main Street,
The organisation was set up in 1989 in Ardrossan and saw a need for transport to cancer centres.
In 1998, the then MP Brian Wilson opened the headquarters in Muirside Lodge in Kilwinning.
They currently have thirty drivers on their rota but would like more to meet demand going forward, and are always on the lookout for new volunteers.
The charity can be contacted on 01294 552223 or go to their website at www.northayrshirecancercare.org.
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