West Cork doctor needs €70k for 4x4 to continue life-saving volunteer work

A major fundraising drive kicks off across West Cork this weekend to secure a top-of-the-range emergency response vehicle for a doctor who has saved dozens of lives — in his spare time.

During 95 after-hours call-outs this year, Dr Jason van der Velde has restarted seven hearts, delivered three babies, and saved on average two lives every month in rural West Cork.

Those statistics relate only to his voluntary efforts in the region — all performed after he had finished his day job saving lives in the emergency department of Cork University Hospital.