THE Voluntary Transport Group (VTG) has celebrated its 20th birthday.

The group was formed in September 1997 to meet the needs of local people with mobility and sight problems to attend hospital and clinic appointments.

Formerly, it was funded by Trafford Council, but when they withdrew their support, the then Vicar of Bowdon, the Reverend Keith Hine, asked people to give some of their time or money to help continue the service for the good of the community.

Kaye Gardner, now aged 74, and her husband John, now aged 80, along with others in the community responded to the call, seeking advice on how to set up the system and it was finally decided that the group would be run from their home in Bowdon.

Kaye said: "I was a volunteer at the town hall before they scrapped the scheme. I knew it was a vital system that we needed so me and my husband decided to take it over. There was a lot more to it than I expected - it was very daunting and it's not easy.

"Still now it is a massive commitment but I can't give it up. It has become even more popular over the years. Even when I go on holiday my phone is constantly ringing.

"Some of our patients look forward to their appointments. Our drivers take them to the waiting room and sit with them. They enjoy the company."

A grant of £200 from the council got the system rolling along with other volunteers. Kay Steward volunteered to spend some time on the phone, assisting Kaye and John, arranging appointments and coordinating the drivers. Robert Izod, a retired accountant gave his services to help run the financial side and became treasurer. Around 45 voluntary drivers, were recruited from the South Manchester area and within no time the system was up and running.

Later, others arrived to help including Robin Siggins, who started as a driver and then entered the office when Kay Steward retired to Somerset. His knowledge of the location of clinics and the clients has proved invaluable.

Over the years there has been a lot to celebrate. The service has saved the NHS many thousands of pounds in reduced ambulance use. Kaye has recently received a letter from Graeme Brady, the local MP, in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary and in 2015 Kaye was honoured with an MBE.

She said: "One of my drivers nominated me. I was not expecting it at all. I thought the drivers should be receiving the award for their hard work rather than me.

"I got to meet Prince Charles who honoured me the award which was amazing but it was also a terrifying day."

Kaye has six children and has always had a massive involvement in charity work. Her husband is a company director of a local business.

Over the 20 years the service has been running it has been estimated that VTG drivers have covered about 300,000 miles and have taken about 25,000 clients to appointments.

Some earlier drivers have now become clients after becoming unwell and being no longer able to drive. VTG asks for patients to make s small donation to use their service to keep it going. Therefore, VTG is always on the lookout for new drivers. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage covered and the VTG has public liability insurance. If you are interested in giving some of your time to help the community please contact Kaye Gardner on 0161 929 6994.