The hospice, run by Sue Ryder Care, already has more than 200 helpers on its books – but needs more as the hospice continues to grow.

* Click here for more Wheatfields Hospice news.

The most desperate need is for volunteer drivers to take patients - mainly from the north and west of the city - to its day hospice.

The shortage means that Wheatfields has to pay £1,000 a month in taxi fares, money which could be used for patient care.

Spokesman Mike Garnett explained that a group of 20 different patients attended the day hospice four days a week.

He said: "We like to be able to collect patients from home and then take them back. The idea is that the care starts the minute they close their front door. It's not the same if a different taxi driver picks them up every time. We like to personalise the experience."

Other opportunities for volunteers include sorting and collecting goods, gardening, serving coffee, helping with finance and computer inputting.

"We say that if there is a job to be done there is a volunteer who can do it," said Mike. "It's not strictly true, of course, but there is a vast scope of opportunities for people to help."

The hospice already has around 200 volunteers but as it continues to expand more help is constantly needed. Its services range from an 18-bed inpatient unit and day hospice to teams of community nurses and bereavement workers.

Helen Peel, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "Wheatfields is totally dependent on our army of volunteers. The atmosphere here is great, lots of love and sharing, and both
paid staff and volunteers work well together."

Sue Ryder Care has recently introduced long service awards to reward volunteers for their support and remind them of how much they are valued.

Helen added: "Volunteering is fun and rewarding whether people want to give something back because they have been touched by the charity or to add essential experience to their CV." Volunteers of all ages and either sex would be welcome.

* For more information on volunteering at Wheatfields Hospice, call Helen Peel on (0113) 2787249 or email: helen.peel@ suerydercare.org