A “selfless volunteer” who drives people to and from Stevenage’s Lister Hospital has been nominated in this year’s Comet Community Awards.
Each year these awards recognise people in our community who go above and beyond, with North Herts CVS Community Transport Scheme driver Anthony Balls nominated in the Valiant Volunteer category.
Anthony was put forward by North Herts CVS’ Community Transport Scheme manager Jon Brown, who said: “Anthony gives five days a week to the service and he also helps with bookings at the weekends.
“He is always willing to step in to a short notice booking and he always wants to be kept busy.
“Anthony is an excellent driver and is always prompt and professional. The clients often comment how pleased they were of the service that Anthony provided.
“He is a great volunteer and we are very lucky to have him as part of our team.
“In 2018, Anthony carried out 264 transport bookings, helping less able and vulnerable people get to their important health and medical appointments and to their day centre services.
“Anthony fully deserves to be recognised in this way, as he is a selfless volunteer who always has a positive outlook on life.”
Explaining more about North Herts CVS’ Community Transport Scheme, Jon added: “Community Transport also helps to combat isolation and loneliness which is prevalent across Hertfordshire.
“It can act as a lifeline for some people and to be able to rely on a professional and friendly local transport service is vital for many residents across the county.
“I would love to hear from anyone who enjoys driving and helping people and who has a little bit of time to give back to their community.”
Anthony was delighted to be nominated, saying: “I am really pleased to be recognised.
“It is always nice to be nominated for something like this.
“I am a volunteer driver which means I take people who don’t have any form of transport to hospital for their appointments and then I take them home.
“I also take people to and from their clubs as well.”
To nominate someone for one of our 12 different categories visit cometcommunityawards.co.uk before this month’s deadline.
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