A Dawlish man has been recognised in a national award for almost 30 years of service to a local community transport charity.

Eric Smallridge, a volunteer driver for Dawlish Community Transport, was awarded a Special Commendation under the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of national charity Community Transport Association's awards for 2021.

'A lifeline for so many'

Mr Smallridge joined Dawlish Community Transport in January 1993, and is the charity's longest standing volunteer.

He has been described as 'a lifeline for so many', an 'endearing, kind and gentle man', and 'committed to his community to the core'.

When nominating him for the award, a spokesperson for Dawlish Community Transport said: "[Eric is] so fully committed, involved and driving for us sometimes seven days per week, with "no" rarely being a word in his vocabulary.

"To us, [he is] not only a driver, but the eyes and ears of our community; keeping a check on all those he knows and feeding back to us any concerns.

"There are few people in our town who don't know Eric. If he's not behind the wheel of one of our vehicles he's out doing something for somebody else."

Going the extra mile

Eric has not only acted as a driver for the charity, but has also supported the needs of individuals.

The spokesperson continued: "Eric has gone above and beyond his driver role – assisting people not only to medical appointments but helping people to do their shopping, get to the Post Office and the like, as well as the more social side of groups and activities plus every Sunday providing transport for those wishing to attend church and Christian fellowship.

"We've known passengers who were never going to join a group for 'old' people, or not ever going to need help to continue their life journey on, yet because of Eric they have managed the transition to be able to accept help and join in with others rather than isolating themselves.

"With his soft and non-invasive approach he builds connections with those he transports. Not just driving them on a journey, but supporting them on their journey - transporting them is a small part of what this sector does; it's about the whole person and if anyone can encourage and support somebody, it's Eric.

"Eric said to our chairman, when asked if we could nominate him for something a few years ago, 'I just enjoy every moment of what I do.'

"What better testimonial for a wonderful, kind, selfless and generous man who has always been ready to give his time to benefit others?

"How could we ever replace 'our Eric'? It's quite simple. We couldn't."

Dawlish Community Transport offers regular door-to-door ring-and-ride services to enable you to do your banking, shopping, and more, and also social trips.

Call 01626 888890 to find out more or click here to visit the charity's website.

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