Keith lives in Cirencester and volunteers as a Community Transport Driver in the town and surrounding villages for Cotswold Friends.

He is one of over 70 volunteer drivers for the charity who use their own cars and pride themselves on going the extra mile, helping older and vulnerable people to and from their home.

In addition to volunteering for the charity, Keith runs a fundraising bookstall for Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, has been a vaccine programme volunteer at Cirencester Hospital, and is a social member of Cirencester Park Polo Club which, for Keith, means he helps with tasks on a voluntary basis.

Keith does, on average, eight individual drives for Cotswold Friends per week, and many of the charity’s volunteers drive people on a regular basis, providing a reassuring familiar face.

Keith says: “I was interested in becoming a volunteer for Cotswold Friends because I wanted something to do in my spare time and to help the community.

“In terms of how volunteering has been helpful to me, at my age, it’s not about the practical benefits but the pleasure of helping others and, in so doing, meeting new people.

“What I enjoy about volunteering for the charity is working with people, plus it’s practical, it’s flexible and it’s interesting.”

Cotswold Friends sends a big ‘thank you’ to Keith and all the volunteers who support older and vulnerable people living in their communities.

Cotswold Friends has volunteer roles, including volunteer driver roles, available now to support people who may be isolated in the North Cotswolds and Cirencester.

If you think you could help, contact George Halling, Volunteer Manager, on 01608 697007 or email [email protected].

For more information, contact Louise Lapworth, Marketing Manager, email [email protected].