AN ELSECAR man who has volunteered for the NHS ambulance service for almost ten years has been nominated in the Proud of Barnsley awards for his dedication to lonely and isolated people in Barnsley.
Dennis King, of Zetland Road, Elsecar, picks up patients from their homes and takes them to their hospital appointments, before returning them home.
Although they may not know his name, he is known to many as ‘the man with the blue Merc’.
Dennis, 64, became a volunteer after his wife Lesley died of a brain tumour in 2005. His brother, who is a retired ambulance driver, suggested he become a driver to alleviate the loneliness and isolation he fell into.
He has never looked back.
Dennis usually works three days a week - more if necessary.
Upon learning of his nomination, Dennis said: “The patients come first and you should treat people the way you want to be treated. I enjoy my job - it’s been a life saver since my wife died. It’s got me out of the house and meeting people.”
In July, Dennis was invited to attend the annual awards ceremony of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service where he was awarded the ‘volunteer of the year’ certificate and plaque.
He had been recommended by fellow ambulance drivers and patients, many of whom are regular passengers.
As well as being a volunteer driver, Dennis devises and presents quizzes at the All Sorts Group, which is a section of Age UK Barnsley, and is just as popular there.
Dennis has been nominated by his mother-in-law Win Noble, of Gray Street, Elsecar, who said some people appreciate his comfort and kindness, others appreciate his first aid knowledge when unexpected events crop up.
She added: “Dennis has also taken patients to places in Scotland, East Anglia and the south coast - all at short notice, usually the night before and he never refuses. He has an endless supply of music to put people at ease.
“His in-law family and his own family are very proud of him and think he deserves recognition.
“On a personal note, I do not know what I would have done without him. As I am disabled and have a full-time carer, he is always on hand in an emergency as my own family live to far away to help.”
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
