A TAXI firm has stepped in to provide cancer patients with free travel to a town’s therapy centre.

Alpha Cars has agreed to transport cancer patients to The Hummingbird Centre, a support and therapy charity, which opened at Grange Mews, Station Road, Launton, near Bicester, in April.

Previously people from the town and surrounding villages had to drive themselves or rely on friends and family for lifts.

But from this week, Alpha Cars will drive users to the centre and back again free of charge.

Alpha Cars manager Dawn Mackenzie said: “In this office people have lost friends and loved ones to cancer and it’s a charity close to our hearts.

“Our drivers are happy to do this type of thing.

“We are a big company now and are able to offer a service like this. We want to do what we can to make their lives a little bit easier.

“We have got the people, even if six or seven cars are needed – we can go out and do it.

“It’s really humbling, and has put a smile on our faces to be able to do this.”

The Hummingbird Centre was founded by local mums Mechelle Harris and Rebecca Fletcher, who met by chance in a shop and discovered they had a shared vision to create a haven where people with cancer can get support.

Mrs Fletcher said she was delighted by the taxi service.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s another link that’s certainly going to help the patients.”

People can access the Hummingbird services via their GP surgery reception and the taxis via the centre on 01869 244244.