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Willie Hutchinson, a volunteer for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), has dedicated his time and effort to giving back to the community. Hutchinson, whose three children have all undergone kidney transplants, understands the challenges that patients face during hospital treatments. He utilized the NIAS voluntary car service extensively to ensure his children could access the necessary renal units for their dialysis treatments.
The volunteer drivers for NIAS play a crucial role in providing patients with the necessary transport to hospital appointments. Hutchinson’s commitment to volunteering stems from his desire to pay it forward for the help his family received in the past. His compassion and dedication to helping others led to him being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to healthcare in 2023. Despite facing personal loss, Hutchinson continues to offer his support to those in need.
Tommy Nicholl, a former mayor of Mid and East Antrim, highlights the significance of volunteer drivers in the healthcare system. These volunteers not only provide transportation but also offer care and compassion to patients undergoing treatments. By utilizing volunteer drivers, NIAS is able to save resources and provide patients with a high level of care. Yvonne McMichael, who oversees the volunteer car service, emphasizes the invaluable contribution of these volunteers to the healthcare system.
Martin Garrity, another volunteer driver for NIAS, echoes the sentiments of making a difference in people’s lives through volunteer work. Garrity’s decision to transition from an office job to volunteering reflects his commitment to helping others in need. The connections he has built with patients and their families over the years have made his volunteering experience rewarding and fulfilling. Despite the challenges and emotional moments, Garrity remains dedicated to continuing his volunteer work for the foreseeable future
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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