Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group is desperately seeking volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to and from hospital appointments for treatment.
Allison White, who runs the charity, which includes a shop and advice hub in Newton Aycliffe town centre, said that the situation is now critical.
“The demand for our services has grown considerably, however, we urgently need to hear from car owners who can give up some time to transport patients to hospitals in the North East. Expenses will be paid,” said Allison.
“We also need volunteers to help in our town centre shop and our new shop in Darlington (opening date to be announced).
“If anyone can volunteer for a morning or afternoon – or more – we would love to hear from them. There are so many people struggling with cancer and its effects. It’s heart-breaking,” Allison continued. “We don’t like to turn people away.”
Citing how the workload has grown, Allison explained that in April last year, six drivers were ferrying patients to hospital – now there are 10. “Our transport costs have doubled in just one year,” she added.
Such is the demand for patient transport that some hospitals are now contacting Allison directly to help.
Potential volunteers, and those with donations for tombola prizes, can contact the charity’s adviser, Marianne, on 07442 991859 or email short9616@gmail.com
Support and events
• The Great Aycliffe Cancer Hub shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 3pm.
• On Thursday mornings, a welfare advisor is on hand to help with benefit queries.
• On Tuesdays, advice on Living Wills and issues such as Power of Attorney is available, along with help completing forms.
• On Fridays, there is a coffee morning at the hub, between 10am and 2pm.
• On Wednesday, June 14th, there will be a coffee morning at Chilton Catholic Club.
• On 10th June, a charity music festival in aid of Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group will be held at the Springfield Hotel, Darlington, from 12noon to 6pm. Tickets are available from the venue.
• On 1st July, there will be a charity tombola at Aycliffe Pride Festival. Tickets are available from Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Hub in Newton Aycliffe.
• On 2nd July, the charity will have a stall in the town park, at Aycliffe 75.