Client Story: Patricia’s Reconnects with Community
It’s truly moving to know our transport service is helping people live more confidently and
independently. Patricia is one such person.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference that accessible transport can make, and how
often many of us can take for granted the ability to travel where we want to and when we want to.
Read her story:
Patricia’s Story
Patricia is a sweet 92 year old woman living in Tunbridge Wells. She has been happily married
to her husband Dave for nearly 50 years, and after his retirement, they looked forward to a quiet,
comfortable life together.
As the years rolled by, Patricia began to lose the strength for everyday tasks: walking far,
carrying shopping, or staying out for long. Dave was always by her side, helping her stay
independent. But when he passed away, everything changed.
Suddenly, Patricia was facing it all alone.
Patricia quickly became anxious about handling the things Dave would usually help her with.
She started buying less food so that she wouldn’t struggle carrying it home by herself and so
that she could still afford to pay her bills. With the high cost of each taxi trip to bigger supermarkets,
Patricia chose to buy what she could at a closer corner shop, even though the prices there were
more expensive.
“When I became a widow and was no longer able to drive, I had to arrange for a taxi to pick me up
and collect me from the store, but I got very cold waiting for the taxi to return and take me home
with all my shopping.“
Without a computer or the ability to use one to buy her shopping online, Patricia found herself staying
home more and more often. The loneliness crept in and the world outside felt further away with each
passing day.
Headlights of Hope
One afternoon, a magazine arrived with Patricia’s post. Inside was an ad from a local charity called
Compaid offering accessible transport for people in her borough. It sounded like just what she needed.
That same day, Patricia called our Transport office and was warmly greeted by Lisa, who kindly booked
her onto the next Kent Karrier shopper’s bus.
“When I found out there was a service to help me, I was delighted. At 92 years old, I would’ve
been thoroughly lost without it.”
That Wednesday, Patricia was full of anticipation for her first trip on the shopper’s bus. She carefully
planned her shopping list, got dressed, and even had time for a quick cup of tea before our Compaid
bus arrived.
The moment our driver knocked on her door, greeted her with a warm smile, and called her by name,
Patricia felt a spark of hope.
The First Day Out of Many
Patricia rode to Sainsbury’s with many fellow passengers, all greeted with the
same kindness and care she had received. She watched as the driver helped each person
from their doorstep to their seat, securing their seatbelts and making sure everyone felt safe
and welcome.
Everyone chatted with the driver all throughout the journey, and when they arrived, he brought
each one of them a trolley to shop with.
After buying everything she needed, Patricia returned to the bus where the driver helped
her aboard and placed her shopping bags beside her. She had already begun chatting happily with
the others around her before they left the supermarket.
It was the best day she’d had in a long time.
“When we reach our homes, the driver brought my shopping to a spot where I can manage it
into my flat. I am so grateful to Compaid for helping me every time I book my weekly shopping
trip. Being able to talk to the others on the bus and the driver, and know I’m safe makes
my days so much happier.”