My name is Mark. I’m quite tall, very good looking, charming and sophisticated—but my biggest asset is undoubtedly my modesty. Sorry , I couldn’t resist!

Now for the serious bit…

I’m 63 years old and have been volunteering for just over a year. After retiring, my wife and I moved to the Llandysul area to be closer to family. Not long after arriving, I found myself using the volunteer transport service and experienced firsthand just how limited public transport options are in this part of rural Wales—especially for those with accessibility needs.

That experience stayed with me. When I learned that volunteers were needed to help others in the same situation, it felt like a natural step to give something back.

As a volunteer driver, I get a call from the office asking if I’m available to take someone from A to B—often for a medical appointment, though it can be for other essential journeys too. If I’m free, I head to the office on the day, collect a car, and take the client wherever they need to go. I usually wait and then drive them home again. The journeys can be anywhere within a reasonable range—mostly to local hospitals and GP surgeries.

I normally do two or three jobs a week, though that can vary. Even just a few hours can make a huge difference to someone else’s day.

In a rural area like this, with patchy public transport and long distances between services, this kind of support is vital—not just for medical needs but also for reducing isolation and keeping people connected.

While volunteering hasn’t changed my views on social issues (I’ve always been quite politically minded), it’s reinforced the importance of local community support networks. And without fail, the clients are always incredibly appreciative, which makes the role so rewarding.

If you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time, my advice would be: just do it. You’ll meet a wide range of people you might never otherwise cross paths with. I may not have any dramatic stories to share, but I’ve enjoyed every moment so far.