Appeal for transport to Addenbrooke’s for treatment prompts huge response

A Tostock woman’s appeal to help transport her to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, for crucial radiotherapy treatment has prompted an amazing response.

Caroline Copping launched a “volunteer driver” campaign on the Next Door website which resulted in help coming from neighbouring villages including people living in Elmswell, Thurston, Norton, Pakenham and Beyton as well as from her local community.

She said she was thrilled with the number of people who responded and thanked them for their “immense kindness and support.”

She added: “Never expected to get this huge response. In fact it has been quite an eye opener to know that our neighbours are here.”

Caroline initially posted her appeal saying she was looking for an offer of a lift/lifts to and from Addenbrooke’s.

She said: “Am starting radiotherapy treatment end of August and have to have treatment daily for 15 consecutive working days. Treatment only last 20 mins but travel distance from Tostock village to Addenbrooke’s is approx 45 mins each way. I will not be able to drive there so am looking for lifts both ways.

“I know friends and family will help out when they can but know certain days will be a problem. So … am hoping to find a helpful neighbour for up to eight trips. A friend has already offered to take me the Fridays. Even one lift would be helpful. I would pay the fuel cost and parking fees.”

And it immediately resulted in a host of people coming forward.

They came from Tostock residents Jim Langlois, Steve Reader, Gail Moyle and Martin Hayman who said he had similar treatment and added he is a taxi driver and was “happy to help out with some trips.”

Meanwhile, David McCarthy, from Elmswell, said: “I would be happy to help perhaps one day a week but am only available up to 6 September. My late wife had radiotherapy there some years.”

Gill Griffith, who lives in Thurston, said: “I don’t mind helping you out on my days off. Let me know which days you need.”

Beverley Stiff, from Norton, added: “I can help you out as not back to work yet following my treatment for breast cancer. I am available most days.”

Alan Chadwick, from Pakenham, said: “I am a volunteer driver and take local residents back and forth to doctors surgery. I would be happy to help out where I can please let me know.”

Thurston resident Peter Harris said his late wife had radiotherapy at Addenbrooke’s and was happy to help out while fellow resident Chrissie Jones said she was happy to be added to the listed of helpers along with Sally Oliver.

Mick Meadows, from Woolpit, said: “I have several days currently free in the second week of September. If you would like to add me to your list I’m very happy to do one or more trips, as availability.”

And Beyton resident Cheryl Cowell added: “Any time I can help I will. If you need shopping done etc or help with your garden/housework just ask.”