Banburyshire man helping deliver equipment to NHS workers during lockdown

As it's National Volunteers Week (June 1-7,) an annual celebration of the contributions people make across the UK through volunteering, local councils and groups are celebrating their volunteers.

Jerry Wood, from Bloxham, has been a volunteer for years, taking on various roles from running his children’s football team to being a mentor for young adults.

Now he volunteers his time and his car.

The North Oxfordshire Volunteer Driver Service provides transport to people who otherwise would be unable to make essential hospital or other health appointments.

Finding a volunteer role that fits around other commitments is important, and Jerry has found a way to fit in work with his volunteer driving.

Jerry said: "Volunteering is not just for when you have retired. I work for myself and can use any number of technologies to work whilst waiting in a hospital car park.

"I can choose when and how to help so it is flexible within my other commitments."

Due to social distancing measures, the volunteer driving scheme has not been able to run, but that hasn’t stopped Jerry from helping out.

Jerry added: "I wanted to support the NHS and the South Central Ambulance Service do excellent work."

So now, instead of transporting people, he is transporting much-needed equipment to NHS workers.

He added: "The other day I delivered hand cream to ambulance stations, which is needed to combat the dry and chapped hands caused by non-stop sanitising."

For more information on opportunities to volunteer in Cherwell, please visit oxfordshireallin.org.