Welsh Ambulance Service volunteer retires after more than three decades of service

GLAN CONWY man has given 33 years of service as a Volunteer Car Service Driver

Ted Chambers of Glan Conwy, north Wales, has finally decided that the time is right to step back from his role as a Volunteer Car Service Driver, something he has been doing since 1991.

Ted, 77, who is originally from Sheffield, began offering his services in the early 1990s after starting a taxi firm on the Isle of Anglesey.

Ted, who is a grandfather-of-13 and who is married to Lysette, 65, said: “There would be times during the week when I had a couple of cars at my taxi firm sat idle doing nothing, and I thought it was such a waste.

“I wanted to help out and approached the service to see if there was anything I could do.

“After a short time, I began transporting patients and sometimes I would be asked to pick up surgeons and donated organs from Valley airport on Anglesey and transport them to where they needed to be.”

Ted continued to offer the use of his vehicles and services until 1998 when he sold the taxi firm.

However, he enjoyed volunteering so much that he continued to offer his services for the next 26 years, transporting patients all over the country, traveling as far as Fife in Scotland and often to London.

Volunteer Car Service Drivers transport patients between their homes and hospitals to attend medical appointments which could either mean local or long-distance journeys to hospitals across Wales, England and on rare occasions, even further afield.

Gareth Parry, Operations Manager for the Volunteer Car Service said: “Ted has been an instrumental part of the Volunteer Car Service over the last 33 years.

“Throughout that time, he has had a hugely positive impact on thousands of patients across north Wales, covering hundreds of thousands of miles.

“Ted has always put the patient first and has even gone to the lengths of selecting his new cars with his patients in mind.

“Everyone in the team is sad to see Ted leave but wish him all the best in the future and on behalf of the Trust, we want to thank him for his impeccable service to volunteering within the Welsh Ambulance Service.”

As a Volunteer Car Service Driver, Ted would take patients to and from treatments for all types of conditions, including oncology, renal and ophthalmic care.

He said: “I found that doing what I did, helping people who were struggling and going through such difficult times due to their health gave me a real sense of purpose and it actually helped me come to terms and get through some difficult periods in my own personal life.

“I have so many great memories and I can recall many of the wonderful, interesting people I had the pleasure of chatting with on our journeys.

“I distinctly remember taking a patient in her 90s to Liverpool for treatment and during the drive, she told me all about her amazing life and all the things she had achieved.

“She carried photos with her which went right back to when she was in her 20s and it quickly became clear that she had lived a remarkable life.

“It was one of the most memorable journeys of my whole time as a VCS Driver and I always enjoyed those sorts of moments, talking to patients, connecting with them and knowing that they were at ease and for that time at least, not worrying about their illnesses or their treatment.”

Jenny Wilson, National Volunteer Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Volunteering at the Welsh Ambulance Service has come a long way since Ted joined us way back in the early 1990s.

“The Volunteer Car Service (VCS) is an important cog in the wheel of the non-emergency service.

“Volunteers get to know their patients, especially those they transport regularly, and it’s as rewarding an experience for them as it is for patients.”

Judith Bryce, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations, added: “We are extremely grateful to Ted for the gift of volunteering and would like to thank him for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”

Just because Ted is no longer on the roads as a VCS Driver, it doesn’t mean that he’s hanging up his keys entirely.

Instead, Ted plans to enjoy his retirement by swapping four wheels for three and is now the proud owner of a trike which he plans to ride around north Wales and beyond.

When asked what advice he would give to people considering joining the Trust’s Volunteer Car Service, Ted said: “You have to be passionate about it.

“Yes, you get paid expenses but it’s not about money, it’s about making a difference and helping people.”

For more information about the volunteering opportunities at the Welsh Ambulance Service, visit: Volunteer For Us - Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust