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Why I volunteer…

“I was first introduced to the work of Northumbria Blood Bikes (NBB) when attending a fire station open day with my grandson, the NBB volunteers described the valuable work done by the organisation.

Why I volunteer…

A neighbour who has a shared interest in motorbikes mentioned the service which he had involvement with and it sparked an interest in me to enquire and pursue it.

I joined Northumbria Blood Bikes in March 2024 as I wanted to do more to help people, to give something back. I also really enjoy riding motorcycles. It was a good fit.

I am a volunteer rider for the charity.

I typically volunteer one mid week evening every week or two and one sat or sun day shift typically once or twice a month. It’s flexible and that works well for me.

National relay

Today our volunteer driver, Paul, met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to collect frozen samples that were from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, that were bound for Charing Cross Hospital, in London. Paul handed over to Derbyshire Blood Bikes who then handed over to Serv Herts & Beds who delivered it to Charing Cross Hospital. 

Why I volunteer…

I heard about Northumbria Blood Bikes from my wife who works at the RVI and I had seen the team when dropping her off. I have always been a biker and thought I’d check out the website to see what it was all about.

I joined in March 2020… Just before COVID hit!
Thought I could manage to donate some time when the wife was working nights or weekends and wanted to help out

I volunteer as a Controller & Driver. I also do some fundraising at work for the charity.

Why I volunteer…

I met up with an old advanced driving tutor friend (Peter M) who I hadn’t seen for a while who introduced me to Northumbria Blood Bikes and I joined in April 2018.

I’m currently a driver, controller and occasionally I’ve attended fundraisers. I have also given a couple of talks to schools.

I’m now retired but as well as NBB I’m still and advanced driving tutor for both Durham and Tynedale ROSPA GROUPS so I allocate my time accordingly.

The best thing about NBB is the cameraderie, not just with NBB but also all the NHS staff and paramedics.

This week the staff at Bebside Inn proudly presented us with a cheque for £3,286 from their ‘Easter at the Bebby’ fundraising weekend. Our sincerest thanks to them all for their hard work and to everyone who donated. 

It was also a lovely opportunity to get some more photographs of the ‘Bebby’ bike purchased through the funds they have raised by supporting our charity over the years.

 

*Relay alert*

Today Mark from Shropshire • Staffordshire • Cheshire Blood Bikes picked up 1x FMT samples from Birmingham Medical School and took them to Barlborough Services where they we handed over to Ann from Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes. They were then transported up to Scotch Corner Services where our volunteer driver Clive was waiting to collect before being delivered to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

All completed completely free of charge for the NHS by Blood Bike volunteers.

You’re invited to our Charity Afternoon Tea being held at Snods Edge Village Hall, DH8 9TJ, on Sunday 22nd June 1-4pm.

Please nominate us to receive £5,000 in the Benefact Group special draw:

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