Cork couple provide vital transport service for cancer patients

WHEN Joan Coughlan happened to spot a message on Facebook requesting a lift to Cork hospital, she and her partner Martin O’Toole decided to sign up as Volunteer Drivers for a vital group.

They joined Cancer Connect, a free, flexible transport service to hospitals, offered throughout Cork county.

“Volunteering for the driver service a couple of days a month is the best idea,” says Joan, of Shanagarry.

All you need is a road-worthy, insured car and a current driving licence.

“Four or five hours a day in a month is not a huge commitment and we are flexible,” added Joan. “There is no pressure.

“Cancer Connect is an invaluable service for people who might not have someone to take them to appointments for their cancer-related treatments.”

The volunteer drivers are given good notice.

“An email goes out a week ahead of appointments,” says Joan. “And we respond depending on our availability. We’re usually asked to do about two drives a month.”

Joan and Martin make themselves known.

“We introduce ourselves to the passenger the day before so they are at ease and can put a face on someone.”

She is no stranger to the Cork hospital routes. Cancer is an illness that has affected every home in the country at some time.

“My mother, Nora, had to go for radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer five days for five weeks’ duration,” says Joan. “I had young children at the time, but duty called.

“At the time, it was difficult enough to do the journeys to the hospital. I was fortunate that my work accommodated time out when I needed it and then I could get organised at home.”

Radiotherapy appointments for CUH and Bon Secours are scheduled on a regular timetable stating departure and arrival times.

Passengers requiring chemotherapy, or attending related appointments such as consultant visits, scans, blood tests, wig clinics, etc., are organised on a one-to-one basis. Appointment times vary. Passengers may require a family member to travel too which is facilitated and encouraged.

On rare occasions, all might not go according to plan.

“It is devastating for someone going for cancer treatment to be told the day before that it has been cancelled,” says Joan. “It is awful for both the patient and the driver. That seldom happens these days, but it has been known to happen and it throws people who may be already anxious. It is vital to be on time and be at the hospital to collect the patient on time.”

Volunteer Drivers are tasked with collecting passengers from home or a scheduled pick-up point. Each driver brings their passenger to the door of the hospital, waits in Cork, and brings them home after the appointment. While the role is solely driving, the volunteers offer much more in terms of comfort and support.

Joan and Martin are both sociable people.

“We like to put people at ease on the journey to the hospital,” says Joan. “We like to think we can lighten their day and put them at ease.

“We try and be as pleasant as we can, and we are able to sense if our passengers want to chat or not. Sometimes, the passenger can be quieter on the way home depending on the treatment. It varies. Often, they may be tired or lack energy after treatments.”

Joan and Martin are sensitive to passengers.

“In the months we have been Volunteer Drivers, we get on well with everybody,” said Joan.

“We often go for lunch near Wilton while the patient is attending their appointment.

“Time is of the essence, and we are asked to be on time and not keep the person waiting.”

Joan and Martin both take their roles very seriously.

“I’d like to think that we can support somebody in trouble,” says Joan.

She thinks positively.

“You think how lucky you are,” says Joan. “I am able. I have the ability and we are flexible to take on the Volunteer Driver role. We are available for someone who needs a bit of help. It is a simple thing that means so much.”

Being driven from door to door is a luxury.

Joan laughs.

“Yes, we can do that for people and hopefully take the strain off them. Often, families are under ferocious pressure to help out, or to be available when necessary. The question of ‘how will we get there’ (to the hospital), is solved by the Cancer Connect service. The stress of attending appointments for cancer treatment is lifted and that is huge. People are so grateful.”

Joan remembers the first person she drove to the hospital for cancer treatment.

“He is now in Marymount Hospice,” says Joan. “I am so glad for the few times I drove him to Cork and lightened his burden.”

What areas do Joan and Martin serve?

“We typically service Youghal, Killeagh, Castlemartyr, and Midleton,” says Joan. “But if we are needed to go elsewhere and we are available, then we can slot in.”

With Cancer Connect, people come first.

“It has always been important that the service meets the requirements of local people,” says Neilie O’Leary, Chairperson of Cancer Connect.

“We were able to co-ordinate a transport system to fit the person travelling from Allihies, Midleton, Rockchapel or Clonakilty. Transport must be a smooth part of each person’s cancer journey and we have built an approach that can be flexible and one to one where needed.

“At it’s core, Cancer Connect is a voluntary service,” adds Neilie. “From the Board to the drivers to the fundraisers, each person contributes to the organisation. The blend of skills create a community amenity that is so vital to Cork.”

Cancer Connect depends on the generosity of the public.

“The Board, together with the management, continues to work toward securing funding. We see a future where the Government supports Cancer Connect alongside the community, both contributing for the longevity of the service for as long as it is needed.”

Fundraisers have kept Cancer Connect viable. With no State funding committed, the income derived from calendar sales, coffee mornings, and the hundreds of other events and donations have kept coordination and delivery of the transport possible.

“We always need drivers,” says Helen O’Driscoll, manager of Cancer Connect. “Every year we have new passengers. I’m sure anyone reading this about Cancer Connect will realise what a good thing volunteering is.”

Helen says Voluntary Drivers are the backbone of Cancer Connect.

“There are currently 420 on the team, who drive their community to and from cancer treatments daily. The impact these volunteers are making is extraordinary,” says Helen. “Ensuring people get to and from treatment in a kind, supportive, stress- free and safe manner is vital. The service is getting busier as the years go on. The more passengers that require transport, the more volunteers are needed.

“The people in Cork have always responded. We hope that in 2024 they’ll continue to do so, and we’ll build our volunteer team significantly across the country. Volunteering to drive their own car, one day a month is all we ask.”

Meanwhile, Joan and Martin continue to be in the driving seat.

“We like to think that we are there for people who may be going on a horrendous journey and that we can ease their burden even a little bit.”

To volunteer to drive, ro donate or for further details, email:info@cancerconnect.ie

www.cancerconnect.ie and 021-2038525