Locally funded and volunteer led, the Volunteer Driving Scheme aims to support cancer patients who are receiving treatment at Salford Royal Hospital.

This free door to door service is available to residents of Irlam and Cadishead and runs between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. People who live in Rixton-with-Glazebrook but visit a GP in Irlam and Cadishead are also eligible for the scheme.

Transport and parking costs to and from hospital can mount up considerably during a course of treatment which might involve attending every day for three or four weeks. And with friends and family not always able to provide support, this service can help to take away the additional worry that patients could do without at what is already a stressful and worrying time.

The volunteer drivers all live in or around the areas they serve and have received extensive training in subjects such as confidentiality before they begin, which hopefully provides extra peace of mind.

The scheme is a joint project, led by the volunteers themselves but with support from Salford Royal Volunteer Services, MacMillan, Salford City Council and a number of local benefactors who have provided funding, including: the Rotary Club of Irlam, Salford Council’s Health Improvement Team and City West Housing.

If you or someone you know could benefit from using the service then call Cancer Support Services to see how they can provide support on 07921 749852.

If you live in Irlam, Cadishead, Rixton-with-Glazebrook Worsley, Little Hulton or the surrounding area and are interested in becoming a volunteer driver then get in touch with Volunteer Services by email [email protected] or phone 0161 206 8942.