A charity will add to its fleet of buses next month to keep Richmond’s elderly community mobile.

FiSH neighbourhood care has worked with the Barnes Community Association to raise enough funds to debut their new accessible minibus, Nicola, at the Barnes Fair on July 8.

Nicola will join two other buses to provide a regular transport service for those who are less mobile to stay connected with their community, live independently and combat loneliness.

Linda Dutton, operations manager for FiSH, from Sheen, said: “I first saw the benefits of FiSH and what it does when my mum was a client and I just thought it was tremendous.

“Our clients always tell us how much lonelier their lives would be without the services we provide and with the pressure on the NHS now, we find we are picking up the pieces there too and taking them for doctor’s appointments.”

Named after Nicola Barrington, who raised a high amount of funds from running the London marathon, the bus provides 15 safe and comfortable seats, some of which can be removed for wheelchair access.

Steve Chapman, a volunteer bus driver from Mortlake, said: “It can be a challenge sometimes but it is always good fun and to be able to help people with mobility issues is just so rewarding.

“I will not be stopping anytime soon.”

The volunteer drivers take clients from Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen for twice-weekly supermarket trips, on social outings - such as concerts and special events, to the Barnes Green Centre and lots of other destinations.

A regular FiSH user said: “I live up a hill and without the FiSH bus my life would be miserable.

“It gives me the chance to go shopping and to talks and outings and is my real life-line”

FiSH also provides a helpline from Monday to Friday offering assistance to all its members or even just a chance to have a chat.

"I don't know how I would cope without FiSH helping me with my shopping - I just can't carry shopping home and then up three flights of stairs to my flat,” added another user.

“Your drivers and volunteers help me so much"

If you would be interested to find out more about bus availability or how to volunteer as a FiSH driver or escort please contact Deborah 0208 876 3765 bus@fishhelp.org.uk or go to www.fishhelp.org.uk