Our April Dinner Meeting was enhanced by a talk given by Guest Speaker Graham Weatherhead supported by Dave Lewis from Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes.
Graham explained the background and ongoing development of the Blood Bike Network.
The first blood bike volunteer group to be established in the United Kingdom was the Emergency Volunteer Service (EVS), formed in 1962. Since that time has grown to a national network of Blood Bikes operated completely by volunteers.
Part of this network is the Shropshire Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes (the SSCBB) created to transport blood and other items 24/7 365 days a year across the midlands through the help of bikes which are able to push past traffic & deliver donations on time.
NHS Trust Hospitals, Hospices, Milk Banks and other related organisations within Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire are provided with a free volunteer-supported transport service for urgently needed blood, drugs, human tissue, donated breast milk and any other urgent medical requirements, both between hospitals and to, or from, blood or human milk banks, together with scheduled collections from breast milk donors.
Co-ordinating with similar Blood Bike Groups urgent transport can be provided as needed right across the UK.
As SSC Blood Bikes is a registered charity stated aims are:
1. To improve the quality of life of patients and their families, predominantly in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire
2. To promote a positive image of the motorcycling community within wider society.
3. To promote safer riding standards.
Similar to many unsung heroes in the charity sector Blood Bikes focus on behind the scenes co-ordination, collection and safe delivery of urgent items to NHS requirement free of charge helping to save lives in our community.
Blood Bike riders are all Advanced Qualified motorbike riders operating a fleet of motorbikes dedicated to the service. Riders are co-ordinated by Controllers who liaise with the hospitals, hospices and milk banks to ensure items are collected and delivered safely to recipients.
As the service is fully funded by donations and run solely by volunteers SSC Blood Bikes fund-raise by attending events, giving presentations and nurturing donor groups in the community.
Regional President Kath Lewis’ husband Dave is a Blood Biker and as he was on duty this evening we were fortunate to have his SSC Blood Bike BMW motorbike brought for display and to show how these machines are dedicated to Blood Bike Service.
At the end of this fascinating talk by Graham Weatherhead a donation was given by President Maggie on behalf of the Club.
