Funding just the ticket for transport service

A TRANSPORT service which helps thousands of poorly youngsters access medical treatment has secured vital funding to safeguard its future.

Transport for Sick Children recruits volunteer drivers to help out low-income families with no car.

The organisation received £98,000 in government funding to expand the service in 2003 as well as relying on funding from the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) and local primary care trusts.

The charity has now secured long-term financial support from the PCTs meaning the GMITA can cease its funding at the end of this month.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) will, however, continue to provide advice, assistance and support to the charity, where possible, to support its on-going development.

John Sagar, chairman of Transport for Sick Children, said: “We have been delighted with GMITA’s support, allowing the charity to grow and meet a much-needed demand for our service in Greater Manchester. The financial backing allowed the charity not only to increase its activities and serve more children, but also gave time for improved funding arrangements to be agreed with the NHS primary care trusts.

“While we are in some ways sad to lose the financial support of the GMITA, we regard its loss with a sense of achievement — an achievement that would not have been made without GMITA’s support over a number of years.”

For more information, call 0161-432 7800. Alternatively, visit the website at www.colsal.org.uk/sites/transportforsickchildren/homepage.asp .