Drivers are sought for cancer appointments

The Cancer Society urgently needs more volunteers to drive people living on the North Shore to Auckland oncology units for cancer related appointments.

Cancer Society Auckland chief executive John Loff says volunteer drivers can choose to drive as little or as often as they like.

‘ ‘ We will provide full training and support and contribute towards petrol costs,’’ he says.

Albany residents Arthur and Aileen Wilson have been driving patients to appointments for more than nine years. Arthur says volunteering is a big part of their lives.

‘ ‘ We both come from large families and when our kids left to go on their OE we thought we’d better do something rather than sit at home.

‘‘It lets us get out and about, see different parts of the city and to meet different people.’’

For some people cancer treatment can be on a daily basis for many weeks, even months.

Many people are too unwell to drive themselves to appointments or find it difficult to rely on family and friends for such a long period of time.

Loof says the volunteer driving services takes the stress off patients and their families during an already difficult time.

‘‘Our volunteers have a variety of backgrounds and ages ,’’ he says.

‘ ‘ And while some are retired, many fit their volunteer driving around their work or study.’’

‘‘One thing they do have in common is the real sense of personal satisfaction they feel knowing they have helped make things a little easier for someone with cancer.’’

To become a volunteer driver you need a friendly manner, your own car, a current full drivers licence and car insurance.