"Donation puts cancer charity in the driving seat"

12.00.00am GMT Mon 13th Feb 2006

A local company has made the unusual but invaluable donation of a new car to Dowlais-based cancer charity, Cancer Aid Merthyr.

Merthyr Motor Auctions, based at Pant Road, Dowlais has gifted a new car to Cancer Aid Merthyr, to allow them to transport their clients for hospital treatment.

The keys were presented to Tracey Burke of Cancer Aid Merthyr by Assembly Member Michael German.

Tracey Burke said: "We are very grateful to Merthyr Motor Auctions for their continued support, in helping those whose lives have been touched by cancer living in the Merthyr Borough. By donating us this car it will make a big difference to the level of service that we can offer our clients. It is a very generous donation and I would like to thank all concerned."

Mike German presents Tracey Burke with the keys to the new car

Welsh Lib Dem AM Michael German said, "I am honoured to make this presentation to Cancer Aid Merthyr on behalf of Merthyr Motor Auctions. The charity does excellent work for cancer sufferers and their families both in Merthyr and beyond. I am sure that they will be able to put this car into action straight away; improving the service that they offer to their clients."

Cancer Aid Merthyr currently provides a transport service for its clients, but it relies on volunteers to use their own cars to transport patients for treatment in hospital. This service is invaluable to patients and their families who come from all over the Merthyr borough.

Many cancer patients attend hospital as many as 60 times during the course of treatment, which can include daily visits over a six week period for radiotherapy. One patient explained that it would have cost her over £600 in petrol alone to travel to hospital during the course of her treatment.