Blood biker injured in Telford cow herd smash

The accident happened when rider Steve Clarke was on the B5061 in Wellington on an urgent call delivering blood samples from the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

He encountered a herd of cows that had strayed on to a road near the turning for Burcot and Wrockwardine, which he was unable to avoid. In the crash Mr Clarke suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs and was taken to hospital.

The blood bike was recovered from the scene the following day, but the insurance company has confirmed that it is beyond repair.

Blood Bikes provide an urgent delivery service for patients requiring lifesaving medical supplies between hospitals across Shropshire.

The 24-hour voluntary service requires riders being available to ride at all hours, and riders have recently completed their 3,000th delivery since the service began two and a half years ago.

The crash was on September 12 at 11.15pm. Details have only just been released and the Blood Bikes charity today appealed for more information.

Spokesman Paul Collyer said: "We are aware of two witnesses to the accident, but in the melee no details were taken.

"We would ask for the witnesses to contact us, and also if anybody has any information regarding the owner of the cattle we urge them to come forwards.

"The bike was insured for a market value, but a replacement will cost an additional £3,000 at least, which we will need to cover through our own fundraising.

"Also without key witnesses or knowing who owns the cattle, we won't be able to recover our losses, including the rider's own protective clothing."

Currently hospitals within Shropshire and Staffordshire have to call a local taxi company to collect and deliver the blood, costing between £200 to £300 per trip.

• If you have any information, contact Paul Collyer at shropshirelead@ssbbgroup.org.uk or 07545 787492.