Moray driver duo ease journey for cancer patients
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TWO Moray cancer charity volunteers have been working long days during lockdown to ferry patients to treatments in Aberdeen, Inverness and Elgin.
David Paterson and Martin Douglas, who both live in Cullen, are volunteer drivers for CLAN Cancer Support, which has a centre in Elgin.
The pair work alongside CLAN cancer services area manager Tracy Sellar to co-ordinate pick-ups across Moray to take people to ARI, Raigmore and Dr Gray’s hospitals for appointments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
During the coronavirus lockdown, the drivers have continued to offer up their time, taking extra precautions during the pandemic. This includes deep-cleaning their vehicles at least twice daily.
David said: "I’ve been working for CLAN as a volunteer for two years and I really enjoy it.
"I like to drive and get out and about and it is always interesting to talk with people on the long drive. I can pick up anywhere in Moray so it can often be a long day before I am back home again to Cullen."
CLAN’s main centre in Aberdeen has closed temporarily.
David said: "Before lockdown I would go into CLAN in Aberdeen while my passenger was having treatments, and there was always a friendly face, but for the time-being I take a book or newspaper and before I know it, we are heading home."
Despite the often six-hour days, David enjoys the two or three days a week he spends driving.
He said: "After retiring, I wanted to volunteer to help in the community and this is ideal for me.
"Sometimes my passengers want to talk about cancer and sometimes they don’t. It’s up to them as I never mention it. I think that chatting to me can be a welcome distraction of upcoming appointments."
Tracy said: "We are so grateful to David and Martin for continuing to volunteer throughout these difficult times.
"Without the transportation we offer people could have to spend hours on buses and trains, which often make a day trip impossible.
"This service also recognises that the client group that require the transport can at times be in the vulnerable category in relation to Covid-19, so the use of public transport increases their anxiety around potential risk of infection.
"This service minimises the individual’s contact with others in a way no other transport service could ensure at present.
"Meeting consultants and undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be very worrying, so we are lucky to have our drivers who make life that little bit easier."
CLAN recently launched a new appeal after being forced to cancel its fundraising events.
David added: "I urge everyone in Moray to donate £10 or whatever they can afford to CLAN. Every £10 donated will help to make sure we can continue to offer this important, local service."
CLAN Moray can be contacted on 01343 544132.
