Emergency blood couriers ask for winter fundraising support

A vital voluntary courier service that operates even in the worst weather conditions is asking Devon businesses and community organisations to give a helping hand during the winter months.

Devon Freewheelers, the charity that provides an emergency out-of-hours courier service delivering crucial medical supplies such as blood and tissue to Devon’s NHS hospitals, experiences a drop off in fundraising at this time of year, as many of its supporter events are held outdoors in the spring and summer.

However, this is the season when the service needs more support than ever.

Operations Director Neil Gardner explained: “With worsening road conditions over the winter there are, sadly, more accidents, and the call for our services to courier blood in particular increases. Unfortunately our fundraising opportunities, which include biker rallies and open-air events, diminish and this puts a great strain on our already stretched finances.

“We are hoping that a few more businesses will display one of our collection tins on their reception desks. We are also appealing for community groups like the WI or church groups to organise coffee mornings to help raise funds. Every penny raised helps us to keep the bikes on the road and get the lifesaving deliveries to the hospitals as quickly as possible,” added Neil.

Devon Freewheelers provides a free service to every NHS hospital in Devon, including the smaller community hospitals. The riders often brave dangerous conditions to get their precious cargo through to hospitals across Devon, and as back-up the charity has a four-by-four vehicle that means the service can get through even when the bikes can’t.

The service is provided free of charge to the NHS and was founded by Daniel Lavery after his wife and baby were helped by a similar courier service in Belfast. There are numerous volunteer courier groups serving their local communities around the UK, and each one relies on fundraising.

If your business is willing to put a collecting tin on display, or you are involved with a community group that can hold a fundraising coffee morning, please contact Devon Freewheelers on 0300 800 0105 or email ceo@devonfreewheelers.org.uk