THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for an free service to transport vulnerable people to and from their Covid jabs - and there are plans to bring the scheme to Southampton.

The ‘Cabs for Jabs’ team have already raised just under £7,000 of their £20,000 target, which - if hit - would allow them to make 1,000 drop-offs for Winchester residents to local vaccination hubs with the support of taxi firm Francis Taxis.

Head fundraiser Tim Perry, has said the response to the service - which started as an idea between friends - has been ‘phenomenal’ and outlined plans to expand the free-service into Southampton as the UK’s vaccination programme rolls on.

On the inspiration for scheme, Mr Perry said: “Two weeks go I found out that one of the hubs for Winchester was going to be at a hotel on the outskirts of town. It occurred to me that older people, especially over 80s who don’t have a car or who are apprehensive about public transport are going to struggle to get to that location.

He continued: “I thought wouldn’t it be awful if some people you need a jab couldn’t get one for lack of transportation. So I ran it past some friends and we decided to start the fundraiser.”

The scheme is supported and co-ordinated by Winchester Taxi firm Francis Taxis who are providing discounted and free fares - with fundraising money supplementing the income of drivers.

The Go Fund Me page has currently raised just under £7,000 and has recently made its 30th free drop off.

Daily Echo: Mrs Duggan who was the 30th free fare user of the 'Cabs for Jabs' scheme in Winchester. Mrs Duggan who was the 30th free fare user of the 'Cabs for Jabs' scheme in Winchester.

GPs practices in Winchester are aware of the service and have been asker to refer patients who may struggle with transport for the free rides.

Mr Perry said he hopes the service can expand out of Hampshire, adding: “We’re helping set up a service in Eastleigh, one in Andover and one in Kent too which will have their own fundraisers.”

Donations can be made online.

Winchester 'Cab for Jab' rides can by booked by calling 01962 884343.