Telford's Rotary clubs unite to buy new blood bike
A new blood bike has been handed over thanks to the fundraising work of Rotary clubs in Telford.
The Rotary clubs of Wellington, Ironbridge, Telford and the Wrekin operate the Telford Tree of Light appeal every year, and they were able to spend £11,000 from last year’s fund on a new BMW bike to be used by the blood bike groups of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire.
David Lovatt, of the Rotary Club of Wellington, paid tribute to the “wonderful generosity” of the people of Telford who made the purchase of the bike possible.
He explained: “The blood bike, to be called ‘Spirit of Rotary’, was funded with 25 per cent of the donations made to the 2017 Rotary Telford Tree of Light.
“The Rotary Telford Tree of Light, which is run by the Rotary Clubs of Ironbridge, Telford Centre, The Wrekin and Wellington raised a record £43,040 for local charities during its 2017 campaign.”
The Tree of Light provides the opportunity for people to donate and commemorate the names of loved ones at Christmas time.
Names are displayed on lists around the Tree of Light in Telford Shopping Centre, at Wellington Market, in the windows of Tranter Lowe’s offices in Oakengates and Dawley, and inside Truffles Café in Ironbridge.
The Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes charity helps a whole range of people in their hour of need. They are out delivering vital supplies from life-saving blood for transplant patients to breast milk for premature babies.
Blood biker Steve Hawkes said it’s an incredibly rewarding role.
“It gives you a great sense of pride and achievement knowing that you have helped somebody who is very poorly at a time when they need it the most,” he said.
“Unfortunately my father passed away from cancer back in 2000. During his treatment I could see how hard the NHS staff worked to look after him, and he also received many blood transfusions.
“Three years ago when I heard about the blood bikes, I thought it would be a good way to give something back to the NHS and help other patients who are in the same awful situation, by volunteering some of my spare time.
“We are all volunteers and I fit my blood bike duties in around a full-time job. But a typical duty is 12 hours, being either a day shift or a night shift.
“During that time, I will be based at home, but have the Blood Bike at my house, and must be ready to go should I receive a call.”
