Our trusty band of valued volunteers are beyond important to us. Their knowledge, skill and time - doing everything from staffing the reception desk to gardening - allows our staff to concentrate on what they do best, supporting our clients.

We have around 115 volunteers, including a small team of drivers responsible for bringing people to our centres for appointments and taking them home again. They perform a hugely important role ensuring people who may have limited access to public transport, or may be too poorly to drive, can still access the help they need.

Over the last 12 months our drivers, such as Lancaster-based Peter Hopwood, covered a tyre-busting 11,510 miles.

Peter initially came to CancerCare as a client back in 2016 and afterwards, as he had also recently retired, he decided he would like to dedicate some of his free time to helping others.

“After my recovery I wanted to give something back and I discovered that there were many possibilities but at the time there was a need for more volunteer drivers. This was a role that appealed to me as I had recently retired,” said Peter

“It is a very enjoyable and fulfilling role. People are usually very appreciative and value having reliable and friendly transport door-to-door. As a driver this is very rewarding and many people enjoy a chat although I have made it a rule never to ask questions and it is soon clear what kind of conversations people enjoy.

“The role can sometimes be especially if someone shares that they have a terminal diagnosis. However, basic kindness and thoughtfulness is all that is needed as well as being a good listener.

Volunteering for CancerCare is really good and there is something for everyone. I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and give it a try!”

To find out more, email Volunteer Coordinator faye.hinde@cancercare.org.uk