Blood Bikes Manchester give insight into voluntary work to Saddleworth WI

From L to R Front: Alan Redfern, Tony Plant of Blood Bikes Manchester Back row: Pam Armstrong, President, SWI, Lesley Winrow, Vice President, SWI

An attentive audience listened as members of Blood Bikes Manchester gave fascinating insights into their voluntary work to Saddleworth WI.

The  out-of-hours service for the NHS works overnight and weekends transporting blood, medication for hospices and end of life comfort care, lifesaving equipment, nappies and breast milk. 

They recently teamed up with the Air Ambulance Service to deliver blood for the patients in urgent need of a transfusion. In the first two  months, the service saved 18 lives as the Air Ambulance can treat at the side of the road so saving vital time for them and the patient.

These unseen, dedicated, unsung heroes rely  heavily on the general public’s generosity to keep the vital Blood Bikes service afloat.

It costs about £35,000 a year to run but they are saving the NHS £340,000 per year. And a recent four-day trip to Benidorm successfully raised much needed funds.

There are 30 independent similar organisations in the UK/Ireland all working to the same framework and  recently Blood  Bikes Manchester  had a very worthwhile TV advertising campaign  encouraging more people to join. 

Volunteer include a graphic designer, locksmith and prison officer, so anyone can apply, and Alan and Tony and their team are sure to give them a warm welcome,    

Saddleworth WIs November 6 meeting welcomes Oldham Foodbank when there will be a Christmas themed product collection.

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