On the road: the Big Purple Bus driver diaries

In 2023, Weston Park Cancer Charity launched one of its biggest projects yet: the Big Purple Bus. This initiative brings the charity’s cancer support and advice directly to underserved areas, with the ultimate aim of reducing health inequalities.

More than two years on, and the service has connected with over 7,000 people in ten locations across South Yorkshire. But this fantastic community resource couldn’t function without its crew of drivers, who all give their time for free.

73-year-old Steve French from Rotherham recently joined the charity’s fleet of drivers, inspired by the care that his best friend and his former neighbour received at Weston Park Cancer Centre.

Here, Steve reflects on his volunteering experience in his bus driver training diaries.

Part 1: The journey begins

5th December 2024

I don’t think you necessarily need a reason to volunteer for charity. But my best friend and my former neighbour were both treated at Weston Park Cancer Centre, and their experiences motivated me to get involved.

I got in touch to see how I could help, and it turned out that the charity was looking for a volunteer driver for their Big Purple Bus. I’ve always enjoyed driving so it seemed like a good way to give back.

The first step was getting my Cat C licence, which allows you to drive bigger vehicles. The charity said they would be happy to organise my training. I had to provide two personal references and have my driving record checked. After that, my bus driver training journey began!

The charity’s Volunteer Manager, Emma, and I visited Premier Fleet Solutions (PFS), a vehicle training centre based in Penistone. They provided me with mock tests to build up my knowledge and said they would help in any way that they could. After the visit, I got to work studying the 14 driver theory topics that I would need for my exam.

Part 2: Taking my theory exam

18th December 2024

To pass the theory exam, you have to complete a number of hazard perception tests. I prepared with a collection of videos, which were supplied by PFS. There were 78 hazard perception videos in total, plus an introductory video which offered a very useful explanation of the scoring that would be used to mark the real test.

19th February 2025

I took my theory test at St James House in the Cathedral Quarter of Sheffield. On the morning of the exam, I was more nervous than I expected to be. There’s so much that you need to remember, and it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to come up.

Thankfully, it all went well and I passed first time. I was really proud of myself, and I felt pleased for Weston Park. The charity had put their faith in me and paid for me to have this opportunity; I didn’t want to let anyone down!

Part 3: Practical test day!

14th March 2025

After passing the theory test, I started my driver training with a professional instructor. The training took place over four days and involved 20 hours of driving, including a two-hour practical test.

Taking the practical test felt like being 18 again (yes, I do vaguely remember!). I sat in a waiting room at the test centre with other pupils in their Hi-Viz jackets and the examiners came out one by one and called us by name. I stepped into the car park and left my 'comfort blanket', in the guise of my instructor, behind. Now it was all up to me!

In the test, I drove around Sheffield and Rotherham - navigating familiar streets which felt very different now that I was sat higher up in a much bigger vehicle. I also had to answer five or six questions which related to the daily checks and maintenance of the vehicle.

When I passed, I felt a palpable sense of relief. But to anyone who fails their test I’d say: use the experience to spur you on. Try again, and don’t give up!

The whole process of learning to drive a bus might seem daunting. But when you reach your goal the sense of achievement is wonderful. Then you have the reward of joining a great team and taking on a productive, fulfilling, and enriching role for an extraordinary organisation.

Part 4: My first shift as a Big Purple Bus driver

10th April 2025

This week I made my first official journey as a Big Purple Bus driver! I’ve met so many people already and there are lots of new names and faces to remember. I’m in a WhatsApp group with other volunteer drivers and everyone has made me feel so welcome. It’s a really supportive community. I must be enjoying myself because I’ve already volunteered to take on an extra shift this weekend!

I would encourage anyone who’s thinking about volunteering as a driver to go for it. My experience has been great, from start to finish. I feel very valued, and happy to know that I’m doing something important and worthwhile.

To find out more about Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Big Purple Bus, head to: westonpark.org.uk/the-big-purple-bus