Free travel lifeline joy for cancer patients

A NEW transport service has been launched to provide free, safe travel for anyone in Rotherham who needs cancer treatment in Sheffield.

The rollout of Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Rotherham transport service follows the successful launch of its Chesterfield and Barnsley services in 2021.

Together, they have since covered more than 30,000 miles, supporting hundreds of patients in and around each region with free travel.

The new service is being operated by a team of volunteer drivers who generously donate their time to ensure people in Rotherham can access potentially life-saving cancer treatment at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

Emma Clarke, chief executive officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “I’m extremely proud to see the launch of our Rotherham transport service — the third branch of our free transport offering — ensuring that everyone across the region, no matter where they live, has access to free transport.

“Issues with transport can be the difference between a person accepting and declining treatment, which could change, or even save, their life.

“Travel to and from Weston Park from Barnsley, Chesterfield or Rotherham, including parking costs, can also cost patients hundreds of pounds per week, particularly for radiotherapy patients who need weeks of daily treatment in Sheffield.

“That’s why our free, safe transport exists — not only does it take away the added logistical stress and strain put on patients and family members following a diagnosis, it makes accessing crucial treatment which is available in Sheffield far easier.”

Emma added that the charity was “incredibly grateful” for the support of charity patron Darren Baker to get the service up and running.

Darren has teamed up with local businesses Jenkinson & Co, Green Piling Ltd, Complete Shutter Services Ltd, MIS Group and Ron Hull to cover the purchase of the bus the charity will use for its Rotherham transport service.

The service will run twice daily, Monday to Friday, at 9am and 1.30pm from Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York Stadium on New York Way.

To book a seat or to find out more, call 0114 553 3330 (choose option two) or email [email protected].