Unsung heroes: Up early for 13 happy years

John Nicols, 88, enjoys his role as driver. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Getting up in the early morning seldom fazes a farmer. But once retirement arrives and the farm is left behind, it would seem fair enough if the farmer allowed himself a sleep-in.

Not John Nicols, an 88-year-old volunteer driver for Age Concern North Shore, who still gets up with the sparrows.

For 13 years he has driven thousands of elderly people daily to the city's hospitals and private clinics.

From his North Shore home, he arrives at patients' houses at the crack of dawn, fights rush-hour traffic, and gets them to their destination on time.

But his dedication to helping the elderly goes beyond those lofty heights of volunteer work, Age Concern volunteer driver manager Maureen Andrews said.

Mr Nicols, a former Te Kuiti farmer and Monte Cassino veteran, ushers in the patients, waits with them if they need companionship and reassurance, and helps them negotiate the hospital corridors.

On Wednesdays he volunteers as the driver for a lunch club - enabling the less mobile to get out and socialise once a week.

"He likes helping people. "

His friendly, unassuming manner has led to many people asking for his services by name," Mrs Andrews said.

"He's just so wonderful. He's not intrusive, he's just a nice man."

Mr Nicols is humble about his contribution to the city.

"I'm happy as hang. It's just a pleasure, I enjoy it."