Volunteer drivers urgently needed by Irish Cancer Society in County Kildare

The Irish Cancer Society is urgently seeking Kildare-based dolunteer drivers to help bring cancer patients to and from their treatments.

The Society's Transport Service helps to ease the strain of travel on cancer patients, who often find it hard to get to and from hospital because of transportation costs or they might not be feeling well enough to drive themselves because of their treatment.

This service is completely free for patients.

One volunteer driver for the Society, Brendan O'Donnell from Naas, gave his views on the subject: "I would encourage anyone considering becoming a volunteer driver, to grab the opportunity with both hands.

"You will meet very interesting and different people of all ages who will enrich your life in ways you never knew. 

"This role enables people to reach their treatment in a safe and timely manner, saving them the stress and cost of having to use public transport or relying too much on family / friends that may need to take time off work to bring them to treatment."

Brendan added: "My younger brother passed away as a result of cancer and this role enables me to give back in a little way."

Volunteer driver Brendan O'Donnell. Photograph supplied by Fiona Keaveney.

According to the Society, last year, the service provided over 1,600 journeys for cancer patients in Kildare and over 22,000 journeys nationwide. 

The volunteer driver role is weekdays only and drivers will need access to their own car and be able to commit a full two days each month to the Service.

Drivers receive expenses from the Society to pay for their fuel costs, road tolls and food while waiting for the patient. 

More information about applying for a Volunteer Driver role can be found at http://www.cancer.ie/volunteer-driver-service or by emailing volunteer@irishcancer.ie.