5 days ago
Wrexham man urges others to volunteer for ambulance service
John Mackie, 56, from Rossett, volunteers with the Volunteer Car Service, transporting patients to and from hospital appointments in his own vehicle.
He said: "I can honestly say it's one of the best things I have ever done, and it really is a rewarding role as I get to help people who are going through a very difficult time, just like my father was.
'It's so flexible and I can easily fit it in around my other hobbies and interests.
"I give three days a week to being a VCS driver and I would encourage other people who have the spare time and a vehicle to consider becoming a volunteer."
Mr Mackie, originally from Glasgow, spent 32 years working for frozen food retailer Iceland and was on the company's board of directors before taking early retirement.
He said he was inspired to volunteer after supporting his father through cancer treatment.
He said: "It all started for me after my father was diagnosed with cancer and I was taking him to and from the hospital for appointments and treatment.
"I could see other patients in the waiting room who were waiting to be taken home and after seeing a post on social media about the VCS, it all fell into place, and I applied immediately."
The Volunteer Car Service is one of several key roles supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, which is celebrating the contribution of nearly 700 volunteers across Wales as part of Volunteers' Week.
These include community first responders, community welfare responders, and volunteer car service drivers.
Lee Brooks, executive director of operations, said: "Volunteers are an essential part of the Welsh Ambulance Service.
"Their commitment and generosity directly impact thousands of patients every year, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them.
"Volunteers' Week is a wonderful chance to recognise their incredible efforts, to celebrate the time and energy they selflessly give, and to thank them publicly for their continued support of their local communities."
Community First Responders (CFRs) are trained to attend 999 calls and deliver life-saving first aid before an ambulance arrives.
In 2024/25 alone, CFRs responded to more than 10,841 emergencies across Wales.
Community Welfare Responders (CWRs) attend incidents that are not immediately life-threatening, providing live observations to control rooms so that patients can be monitored remotely by clinicians.
CWRs recorded 1,045 attendances in the past year.
The Volunteer Car Service supports patients attending regular medical appointments, including renal dialysis and oncology.
Last year, VCS drivers completed 45,557 journeys and covered a total of 1,426,165 miles.
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Gareth Parry, operations manager for volunteering and community resilience, said: "Our fantastic volunteers play a vital role in supporting the trust, offering their time, skills, and compassion to strengthen patient care.
"Their dedication ensures our service continues to provide the highest level of support to communities.
"In return, they take on a challenging and highly rewarding role, becoming a vital part of #TeamWAST, while making a meaningful difference in people's lives."
For more information on volunteering for the Welsh Ambulance Service, visit: Volunteer For Us - Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.
