CANCER Connect has recorded 70% more passenger journeys over an eight-week period between March and April of this year compared to the same period last year.
The not-for-profit organisation which co-ordinates transport to Cork hospitals for passengers attending radiotherapy, chemotherapy and cancer related appointments said rising fuel costs in recent months has led to new passengers availing of the service, which recently celebrated 15 years on the road.
Speaking to The Southern Star, Helen O’Driscoll of Cancer Connect said this increase in passenger journeys is two-fold.
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‘We have new people joining up for the service and the rising fuel costs made that decision for them. We also have existing users who are now using the service for all of their journeys whereas before they might have used it just for radiotherapy appointments and driven themselves to other hospital visits,’ said Helen.
‘We now have a busy current passenger cohort and a new passenger cohort and in the 15 years of operation it has never jumped that high.’
Cancer Connect owns 10 vehicles which they have to fuel which is a direct cost to them.
‘We have drivers too who use their own vehicles too. We give them contributions and that will have to increase a too as they should be able to afford to volunteer. It shouldn’t come as a financial cost to them.’
She added that a lot of volunteers who previously declined to receive contributions are now comfortable to take them.
‘All it means is that the burden for Cancer Connect has got a little higher but we will continue to provide the service. This is new but we know how to provide the service, which we have been doing for 15 years.’
She said that for anyone going through their own cancer journey they shouldn’t have to be looking at the cost of transport and parking and be able to focus on themselves and the treatment they are going through.
‘We have about 600 great volunteer drivers from across the county and they range from those retired to those using some of their annual leave to help people. We’re always looking for drivers too so if people want to help then contact us at Cancer Connect.’
