Sheffield community transport service throws 100th birthday party for passenger
Volunteer drivers and passenger assistants generously give their time to help older people in the community feel less alone and isolated
A Sheffield woman celebrated her 100th birthday at a lunch club she attends - thanks to a transport charity which helps elderly residents feel less alone and isolated.
Audrey Lowe turned 100 on September 5 and celebrated her birthday at Dore Old School, in Dore, after a community transport service that helps her and other passengers get out and stay connected organised a celebration.
Audrey was born in Brinsworth before moving to Sheffield where she married husband Alan and had two children, Kath and Liz.
Transport 17 is a small, charitable organisation which has existed within Totley and the wider community since 1984.
It provides transport for local people who would otherwise struggle to leave their homes, helping them attend lunch clubs and spend time with others.
Their passengers are mainly in their 80s and 90s, and many simply wouldn’t be able to get out without any help.
The group was established by a local group of volunteers led by Alan Jockel, a previous vicar at Totley All Saints Church, who saw a need within the local community.
They bought their first minibus for £10,000 paid for in equal parts by funds raised within the local community, and by Age Concern.
Volunteer drivers and passenger assistants generously give their time to help older people in the community feel less alone and isolated.
For the passengers, the journey means much more than getting from A to B. It makes a regular outing possible: a meal in company, a catch-up with friends and something to look forward to.
Transport 17 now operates three minibuses across South Sheffield five days a week.