Des Hillier, 69, has been transporting patients from across the north of the county to the hospice in Corby on at least one day each week since 2003.

He is now stepping down from the post because of his age and is joining the appeal to recruit more volunteer drivers to give cancer sufferers a lift to the Butland Road centre.

Mr Hillier said: "It's a superb job and the patients are wonderful. They become your mates.

"They get very attached to you. They know exactly when to expect you to pick them up.

"The hospice is desperate for drivers so I feel a bit guilty for going. Who's going to do the job once I've left?"

Mr Hillier said the most hair-raising moment was when snow fell earlier in the last year and almost all the roads in Corby were closed.

"Some of the patients' partners were very worried because we usually have them home by 5.30pm," he said. "We were late and they were very worried. But those were unusual circumstances.

"You don't have to drive far. It's only a 25-mile radius from the hospice."

Mr Hillier was an experienced driver with hire company Avis before retiring from full time employment.

The Studfall Avenue resident completed a Midas day course and gained a certificate before being able to drive the Lakelands minibus.

"The most important reason for doing the course is to learn how to handle the wheelchairs," he said. "You have to be careful with the patients and the most important thing is strapping the wheelchairs into the minibus."

As well as giving patients a lift, Mr Hillier also helped set up the Lakelands warehouse and emporium, transporting donated goods to both locations.

Mr Hillier will continue to help at the hospice by helping to keep the vast grounds in shape by doing regular gardening sessions.

To volunteer to become a driver, contact the hospice on 747755.