Our 8-seater departs Youghal every morning at 11:30am, bound for Cork city's hospitals. For those undergoing radiation therapy - a treatment that can require daily attendance over the course of a month- this service provides so much more than a way to get to their appointments. It offers a cocoon of support, a shared space where those facing similar challenges find comfort in each other's company.

One morning last year, I remember our 8-seater was nearly full, carrying five passengers. That day, a quiet man joined us for the first time, nervous and unsure about what lay ahead; he remained quiet on the journey, not talking and not joining the usual banter and camaraderie. It just happened that he was the first passenger for me to collect on the return journey, and we had some time to spare waiting for other passengers. We were having a companionable silence, listening to the radio, when he opened up. He shared that seeing others speak so openly about their cancer journeys gave him the courage to accept his own diagnosis. He described Cancer Connect as more than transport - it was, in his words, a "cocoon of like people, where we can be honest with each other."

This service isn't limited to bus stops. We call to houses if someone cannot reach the stop and pick up others in towns along the way. Cancer Connect ensures that no one is left stranded, isolated or overwhelmed at a time when they need support the most.

As drivers, we see the journey patients go through - starting with hope and strength and often moving toward exhaustion as weeks progress. For some, the shared space of the bus becomes a vital part of their coping. For many, it's not just a ride but a lifeline. Cancer Connect isn't just a free transport service. It's a mobile support group, a sanctuary, and often a reminder to those on board that they're not facing this alone.