No problems getting to the hospice

No one need ever worry about transport to and from the Iain Rennie Grove House - Peter Bucknell is there to help.

Peter started out in Hemel Hempstead and has been with the hospice for over twenty three years, he set up the transport department to ensure that everyone who needed to get to the hospice could.

Now based at Grove House in St Albans, every week, Tuesday to Friday Peter organises thirty five volunteer drivers to bring patients to and from the hospice. Whether patients are attending for Day Hospice or outpatients appointments, all are eligible for free transport from Peter's team. Peter can also accommodate those with disabilities and those in wheelchairs.

The drivers are often retired folk who want to put something back and help support the community, they usually work half a day a week and cover St Albans, Harpenden, Radlett and Hemel Hempstead.

Peter says, "I love everything about my job, I particularly enjoy talking to the patients and finding out all about their lives, some of them have such interesting stories to tell. I also love knowing the difference we make to their lives."

One of the volunteer drivers commented, "It is a pleasure and a privilege to drive patients to and from Grove House. Family and carers tell us what a huge difference it makes to patients - and it gives the carers a day off too."

If you are interested in a volunteering role at the hospice visit www.grove-house.org.uk

Or phone 01727 731000