Cancer Connect seeking volunteer drivers to cover free North Cork transport service 

Cancer Connect is looking to hire up to 20 volunteer drivers to facilitate its new free transport service from Mitchelstown and Fermoy.

The new daily service is aimed at radiotherapy patients across North Cork who are in need of transport to and from their cancer treatment appointments at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Bon Secours Hospital.

In response to growing demand, Cancer Connect launched this new offering to patients in Mitchelstown and Fermoy, as well as introducing a newly assigned eight-seater vehicle to facilitate journeys.

Since its inception in 2011, Cancer Connect has completed more than 65,000 passenger journeys, solely operated by a dedicated network of volunteer drivers.

The service provides door-to-door transport for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, scans, and consultations.

Manager of Cancer Connect, Helen O’Driscoll, said the organisation is “delighted to meet this increasing demand for radiotherapy transport by introducing an eight-seater vehicle on the North Cork route”.

Sincere thanks

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to both CUH and Bon Secours Hospital Cork for facilitating this service and granting us a daily dedicated time slot,” said Ms O’Driscoll.

“We are also grateful to Tesco Mitchelstown for their collaboration and community support for this new initiative.

“This service would simply not be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer drivers.

“They provide far more than transport — they offer companionship, reassurance, and practical help during what can be one of the most challenging periods in a person’s life.”

To ensure the long-term success of the new route, Cancer Connect is actively recruiting 20 new volunteer drivers to work just one day per month.

Heart of everything

Duties include collecting passengers along the route, transporting them to their radiotherapy appointments in Cork city, and returning them home.

Drivers are required to possess a standard category B driving licence.

“Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Ms O’Driscoll.

“For many passengers, that friendly face and supportive conversation make a world of difference.”

Anyone interested in joining the volunteer driving team for the new Mitchelstown–Fermoy route is encouraged to contact Cancer Connect at info@cancerconnect.ie.