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Companion driving service Driving Miss Daisy has two new faces at the helm on the Hibiscus Coast, with Dave and Kathryn Tyrrell recently taking over the local region.
After years of IT consultancy for Dave and child-rearing and craft teaching for Kathryn, the Hatfields Beach couple decided to have a complete change and are already loving their new roles.
With five vehicles including one that is wheelchair accessible, they are well equipped to transport anyone who makes a prebooking. Dave, Kathryn and their team are happy to accompany clients to appointments, the hairdresser, the doctor, help with shopping at the supermarket, school drop-off and pick-up – in fact, anywhere clients need to go. They are always mindful of their clients’ wellbeing, ensuring that they are comfortable and safe.
Dave and Kathryn say it’s about helping people to maintain, or regain, their independence.
“We provide safe, reliable transport and companionship for people who may need that extra little bit of help,” Dave says. “We can help people to the car and into where they’re going. We can take wheelchairs and walkers, and all the cars are easy to get in and out of.”
The mixture of clients is broad – recent trips have included getting an elderly client to Auckland Hospital, taking another client for a physio appointment and some shopping, driving children to and from school and taking a wheelchair-user to see a school show her grandson performed in.
“It’s very rewarding,” Kathryn says. “Our clients are all so grateful for the service. You get to know people, they become your friends. You’re sometimes the only person they see that day and you become a valuable part of their lives.”
Driving Miss Daisy is a Total Mobility scheme provider and an ACC contracted supplier, meaning assistance with fares is available. All drivers have a passenger-endorsement, are first aid trained, Dementia Friends, Police vetted and have completed AA advanced driver training.
