Tony, driver

As a volunteer driver, Tony provides transport for a local project that helps disabled children and young people. He is also a member of the Methodist church.

Why volunteer as a driver?

'It's something I wouldn't have thought of doing if I hadn't been involved from the start, but I've sort of grown into it and I'm really glad I do it. I put in a lot of time after I retired doing odd jobs for Action for Children, mostly things around the office, and making or receiving phone calls. I've also looked after the small library in the project. My wife is a volunteer too!'

How did you get started?

'I first got involved with the project about 10 years ago, as Warrington's Methodist Circuit Action for Children Co-ordinator. I was initially asked if I could help to raise money to help the project start up and it all began with a meeting in Bold Street Methodist Church.

'Laura, the project manager at the time, then asked me if I could help out in the office with the petty cash and I did that on a regular basis for them. The project expanded, and then I become one of their drivers.'

What exactly do you do?

'We volunteer drivers take children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families, who are without transport, to and from medical appointments at hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester, as well as the local hospital. We also go around at Easter and Christmas taking them Easter eggs and Christmas presents.

'Each year we organise a summer picnic in a local nature reserve and, at Christmas, a party with Santa. We always include all the children in the families, not just the sick ones.

'Some other volunteers do the ironing for some of the families. Anyone can put washing into a washing machine, but ironing takes time, and this gives mums and dads precious time that they can spend with their children. Other volunteers have done gardening, decorating, shopping and even cooking in an emergency, and others like me help in the office.

'Many of our volunteers are from the Methodist community, but we have other volunteers who come from the wider community, and there are between 20 and 25 families associated with the project.'

What are the benefits?

'The project supports families of children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. There are sad times of course, but we have some wonderful memories of the families we've supported and the project is really well respected in Warrington. I'm very proud to be associated with it.'

Could you do what Tony does?

If so, search for volunteer roles or phone 0300 123 2112.