“More than just a taxi” volunteer drivers set record mileage for patient transport charity in Surrey after legacy founder passes.
Care in Haslemere proudly announced that their dedicated team of volunteers drove residents more than 19,000 miles last year.
Founded by Mary Holthouse in 1978, the charity provides transportation to hospital and other appointments for people living in the Haslemere area.
Chairman Ivor Barrett was introduced to the charity after responding to a local newspaper posting.
He said: “All the clients are different and interesting in their own way. Sometimes they don’t have the opportunity to talk to people that often, so they are quite chatty.
“It’s wonderful to build that relationship with them. You are more than just a taxi driver, you become a friend who is there to help.”
Volunteers donating their time find it “hugely rewarding” to provide a cheaper service for those with transport difficulties, filling an “important need in the area.”
Barrett encourages locals with a car and time to donate to get involved in the rewarding service, as they are always looking for volunteers to keep their brilliant service running.
Now almost exclusively a voluntary driving service, Care needs more drivers to transport clients to and from medical and dental practices and to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford. Some willing drivers will also venture further, and all volunteers can claim 45p per mile towards petrol and running costs.
For more information, head to: www.careinhaslemere.org.uk