Elderly cancer sufferer Pam Parry-Jones fears for the future of the voluntary service that allows her to get to her medical appointments.

For years the charity Chippenham Link Transport has helped Mrs Parry-Jones and hundreds of others to reach appointments at hospitals, doctors and dentists.

But recently she has not always been able to rely on the short-staffed service.

Its two volunteer co-ordinators are having to cope with about 250 calls a week between them.

Mrs Parry-Jones, 82, who has lived in Chippenham most of her life, said: “It is a really good service, the drivers are always very nice and friendly. I’ve used it since my husband passed away and I’ve not been able to get about on my own. I don’t drive and my daughter works.

“Unfortunately, at the moment, they’re having to turn people down. The last couple of times I tried I couldn’t get a lift. It would be a shame if it finished, I’d be really sad. I’d have to get a taxi and they are ridiculously expensive, especially if you get stuck in a traffic jam, as you often do.”

She said she would also like to see users of the service giving a fair donation to help keep it going.

Valerie Reynolds, chairman of the service, said: “If there’s no one there to answer the phone, we cannot arrange transport.”

The two volunteer co-ordinators work two days each, but someone is needed to answer the phone on Fridays and to cover sickness. Len Weeks, 85, has come out of retirement to help out.

Mrs Reynolds said: “It needs to be someone who won’t mind the intrusion of receiving 40 to 50 phone calls to their home in one day.

“If we could find someone who understands what is required and is still interested, it would be wonderful.”

The charity is also seeking more volunteer drivers.

Mrs Parry-Jones said: “You have to book a week or two in advance. If you get an appointment at the doctors suddenly, you’ve got no chance.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call (01249) 461881.