Welsh Ambulance Service volunteer retires after 33 years

A volunteer who has spent more than three decades with the Welsh Ambulance Service has retired.

Ted Chambers of Glan Conwy, north Wales, has finally decided that the time is right to step back from his role as a Volunteer Car Service Driver, something he has been doing since 1991.

77-year-old Ted who is originally from Sheffield, began offering his services in the early 1990s after starting a taxi firm on the Isle of Anglesey.

Ted, who is a grandfather-of-13 and who is married to Lysette, 65, said: “There would be times during the week when I had a couple of cars at my taxi firm sat idle doing nothing, and I thought it was such a waste.

“I wanted to help out and approached the service to see if there was anything I could do.

“After a short time, I began transporting patients and sometimes I would be asked to pick up surgeons and donated organs from Valley airport on Anglesey and transport them to where they needed to be.”

He continued to offer the use of his vehicles and services until 1998 when he sold the taxi firm.

However, he enjoyed volunteering so much that he continued to offer his services for the next 26 years, transporting patients all over the country, traveling as far as Fife in Scotland and often to London.

Volunteer Car Service Drivers transport patients between their homes and hospitals to attend medical appointments which could either mean local or long-distance journeys to hospitals across Wales, England and on rare occasions, even further afield.

“I found that doing what I did, helping people who were struggling and going through such difficult times due to their health gave me a real sense of purpose and it actually helped me come to terms and get through some difficult periods in my own personal life,” explained Ted.

“I have so many great memories and I can recall many of the wonderful, interesting people I had the pleasure of chatting with on our journeys.”

Gareth Parry, Operations Manager for the Volunteer Car Service described Ted as an “instrumental part” of the organisation.

“Ted has always put the patient first and has even gone to the lengths of selecting his new cars with his patients in mind,” said Gareth.

“Everyone in the team is sad to see Ted leave but wish him all the best in the future and on behalf of the Trust, we want to thank him for his impeccable service to volunteering within the Welsh Ambulance Service.”

Jenny Wilson, National Volunteer Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Volunteering at the Welsh Ambulance Service has come a long way since Ted joined us way back in the early 1990s.

“The Volunteer Car Service (VCS) is an important cog in the wheel of the non-emergency service.

“Volunteers get to know their patients, especially those they transport regularly, and it’s as rewarding an experience for them as it is for patients.”

Judith Bryce, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations, added: “We are extremely grateful to Ted for the gift of volunteering and would like to thank him for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”

Just because Ted is no longer on the roads as a VCS Driver, it doesn’t mean that he’s hanging up his keys entirely.

Instead, Ted plans to enjoy his retirement by swapping four wheels for three and is now the proud owner of a trike which he plans to ride around north Wales and beyond.

When asked what advice he would give to people considering joining the Trust’s Volunteer Car Service, Ted said: “You have to be passionate about it.

“Yes, you get paid expenses but it’s not about money, it’s about making a difference and helping people.”