A SUNDERLAND dealership has helped out its local hospice by donating an e-NV200 to transport patients.
Evans Halshaw has lent the 100 per cent electric combi van to St Benedict’s Hospice for 12 months. It will be used to take patients to and from hospital as well as on days out.
Alan Sedman, Dealer Principal at Evans Halshaw, on Wessington Way, said he had personal experience with hospice services so St Benedict’s was close to his heart.
He said: “As a company we like to help out the local community – it’s not just about cars.
“I got talking to the charity and I heard about its patient transportation service. That’s when I decided we should help out and offered them the use of an e-NV200. It’s a seven-seater so has plenty of room for hospice users and any medical equipment. And its low running costs of 2p a mile means the hospice can spend the money it saves on other vital services.”
Catrina Flynn, fundraising manager for St Benedict’s Hospice, said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by the firm’s generosity.
“We’re absolutely delighted,” Ms Flynn said.
“It will be used for a variety of things such as taking patients on days out and taking them from the hospice to hospital. It was only three weeks ago that we started talking with Evans Halshaw about this, so were thrilled.
“We’re a local hospice serving the community of Sunderland and district areas – so it’s local people helping local people.”
