The Road to Purpose: Roy Ellison Reaches 150,000 Miles

For most of us, 150,000 miles might represent the lifespan of a well-loved car. For Roy Ellison, those miles are a symbol of something much greater: a 16-year journey of giving back to his community as a volunteer driver.
At 81 years old, Roy has turned his passion for driving into a mission. His dedication, resilience, and kindness have become an inspiration to everyone who hears his story.
The Journey to 150,000 Miles
“When I found out I’d driven 150,000 miles, I was honestly shocked,” Roy says. “I never had targets or even thought about the numbers. I just did it because it gave me something to do.”
What started as a way to keep himself busy has turned into a vital service for countless individuals. From helping passengers make crucial appointments to simply offering a listening ear during the journey, Roy’s driving is more than just a means of transport. It’s a lifeline.
Roy began volunteering after finding himself struggling to cope with the loss of his father. “I knew I was waking up in the morning with nothing to do, and I was struggling,” he explains.
“I asked Liz in reception if they had any roles available. I offered to help with anything, but when the driving role came up, it was like a calling. I’ve always loved driving, so it felt natural to combine that with helping people.”
Stories from the Road
Over the years, Roy has met hundreds of people, each with their own story. Listening to these stories is one of the things he loves most about his role.
“Driving people to their destination makes life simple for them,” he explains. “But it’s also about listening to their stories and supporting them just for that hour. It can make a huge difference.”
Roy has a favourite story that still brings a smile to his face. “I gave an elderly woman a lift once, and when she got out of the car, she said, ‘Thanks, son, that was lovely.’ She must have thought I was much younger than I am but she was only two years younger than me! That made my day.”
For Roy, it’s these moments of connection that make all the miles worthwhile. “You’d be surprised how much people appreciate a simple act of kindness,” he says.
Lessons from the Journey
Roy’s incredible milestone of 150,000 miles isn’t just a testament to his dedication. It’s a reminder of the power of volunteering.
“If my car can’t go there, I’m not going. Rule number one!” he jokes. But on a serious note, he adds, “Don’t hesitate to volunteer. Any volunteering in any walk of life gives you more out of it than you put into it.”
For Roy, the driving itself is part of the joy. “I love being on the road. The roads are certainly getting busier, but it’s still a pleasure for me to drive and know I’m making someone’s day easier.”
A Milestone to Be Proud Of
Reflecting on his 150,000-mile journey, Roy is humble but proud of the impact he’s made. “At the end of the day, I’m just a driver,” he says. “But to the people I’ve helped, it’s so much more than that. And to me, it’s a reason to get up in the morning.”
Roy’s story is about more than just miles. It’s about kindness, connection, and finding purpose in the simple act of helping others. His story proves that sometimes, the longest journeys are the most rewarding.
How to get Involved
Volunteering at Ardgowan Hospice is a rewarding way to give back to the community and support individuals and families facing challenging times. To get involved, contact volunteering@ardgowanhospice.org to learn about the various roles available, such as retail support, fundraising, patient care assistance, or administrative work.
