MACMILLAN VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE CANCER PATIENTS DURING COVID-19

A team of charity volunteers are continuing to reach out to self-isolating cancer patients across West Cheshire to offer vital transport - and telephone - support during the coronavirus crisis.

Macmillan’s Transport Scheme volunteers, who cover Chester, Neston and Ellesmere Port, have been busy driving shielding cancer patients who have no other way of getting to essential clinical appointments.

However, since the lockdown was introduced several drivers have parked-up their cars to pick up the phone instead as part of Macmillan’s “telephone buddies” programme, which aims to support cancer patients who remain isolated across the region.

Retired chartered accountant, Judy Anderton, from Chester, started volunteering for Macmillan alongside her husband Graham four years ago. She is not only busier than ever driving patients to appointments, but now also speaks to people living with cancer, who might be feeling anxious or lonely, during a weekly phone call.

Judy explains: “When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we had fantastic support from Macmillan, which we would have been lost without. I know what cancer patients are going through, and how important Macmillan’s support can be, so I wanted to give something back and started volunteering as a driver.

“I think the telephone buddying scheme is a great idea and, hopefully, I provide a friendly caring voice and listening ear, but I’m also there if they want to talk about anything that worries or concerns them. It’s also very rewarding to know you’re helping and making a difference to peoples’ lives during these extremely challenging times.”

Meanwhile, Richard Sutton, from Handbridge, also continues to collect cancer patients from their homes and drive them to treatment, scans or counselling appointments, at hospitals and hospices across the North West.

The 68-year-old retired environment manager, whose brother and father-in-law have been diagnosed with cancer, starting volunteering as a driver for Macmillan three years ago.

He said: “I had lots of spare time when I retired, and I wanted to keep busy and volunteering gives me the opportunity to help people in the local community. I find volunteering extremely rewarding, and would highly recommend it, and some of the feedback we get from clients is so touching, which makes it so worthwhile knowing we’re making a difference to people when they really need it.”

There are currently 14 drivers on Macmillan’s Transport Scheme’s books in Chester, however, only five who are aged under 70, and without pre-existing health conditions, have been allowed to continue volunteering throughout the coronavirus.

They have all been issued with PPE including facemasks and gloves, as well as hand sanitiser and antibacterial spray, to clean their cars after each pick up.

Jane Melvin, Macmillan Cancer Support’s Head of Partnerships North and North West, added: “Macmillan’s Volunteer Transport scheme in Chester is one of many Macmillan-funded services working hard to ensure that cancer does not become the ‘forgotten C’.

“This team of invaluable volunteers make a massive difference to so many vulnerable shielding cancer patients across West Cheshire. These wonderful volunteers not only ensure that patients are able to attend crucial treatment and diagnostic appointments, but they are also delivering vital telephone support and friendship during these extremely difficult times for people living with cancer.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving telephone or transport support from a dedicated Macmillan volunteer, please call 07525 812169 or email northwestDVS@macmillan.org.uk

Comprehensive information and support, including Macmillan’s latest guidance and advice on the impact of coronavirus on cancer care, is also available macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus and the Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week, between 8am – 8pm, on 0808 808 00 00.

Pictured - Richard Sutton from Handbridge