‘I had seven strokes and lost my vision –now I help others to stay mobile’

Sue lost her vision when she was just 47 (Picture: Supplied)

Not all heroes wear capes… our Unsung Heroes series celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

Today it’s Sue, 60, from Tenby, who matches people with mobility issues with a volunteer driver to get them to vital medical appointments.

What do you do?

I’m a volunteer for Pembrokeshire County Cars, which offers free transport to people living with disabilities or mobility issues or older people who can’t easily get to medical appointments.

What does that involve?

I take phone calls from people who want to book a ride, then match them with our volunteer drivers.

What sort of trips are covered?

Doctors, hospital, dentist appointments shopping or visiting a partner in a care home.

Sue matches volunteers to people who need a lift (Picture: Getty Images)

Why is the service so important?

Mine is the only voice some people have heard in days. Some have no family left or relatives have moved away. Many wouldn’t be able to get to appointments as where we live is fairly rural.

Do you end up chatting on phone?

Yes, I love talking but I can be on the phone booking a single appointment for half an hour as people chat about their lives, family, health – and, of course, the weather.

Who drives for you?

Drivers are all volunteers. They wait for the person and take them back home. It’s a vital service for many people, run by the Royal Voluntary Service for the council.What’s your background?

I like to be busy. I used to have three jobs. On a deli counter, cleaning and as a chef. Before that, I had my own business as landlady of a popular pub in Cheshire.

Her volunteerimg has helped with recovery (Picture: Supplied)

How did things change for you?

Having a stroke, at age 47, knocked me sideways. I was always on the go then suddenly I couldn’t work or drive, as I lost 70 per cent of my vision. I actually had seven strokes in one hit.

How did you begin to recover?

What helped me get back on track was getting a guide dog. Now I have Henry, a golden retriever, who keeps me safe when I go outside. He gets lots of fuss and loves it but he eats anything.

What do you gain by volunteering?

I’m more popular now! I get lots of invites to coffee with people I talk to on the phone. When our drivers go past my house sometimes the person wants to nip in to introduce themselves.

Sue helps people get to the appointments they need (Picture: Getty Images)

What’s the worst bit of your job?

I hate having to tell people we can’t get them to appointments as we don’t have enough drivers. It happens quite often. I have to turn away at least 20 trips a month.

How do you relax?

I like Coronation Street and Emmerdale as I find them easy to follow. I like playing word and card games to keep my brain active.

What’s your advice?

You never know what life will throw at you. But don’t focus on what you can’t do anymore, find what you can do, instead. Volunteering is like therapy for me. I can help people and I enjoy that.

Volunteer with Royal Voluntary Service at GoVo.org.

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