Severn Freewheelers -The Blood Bikers

Ever wondered how the Air Ambulance is re-stocked with Whole Blood?

Or how medical notes are whisked across the Three Counties (plus a bonus bit of North Wiltshire?)

Or how non-standard medication deliveries are made?

Meet the Severn Freewheelers, founder members of the National Association of Blood Bikers.

And a very appreciative audience did, at the Priory Lunch Box talk today. Following the highly successful Lunch Box format - bring your own lunch and let the Priory urn, attended by its dedicated volunteers, take the strain of tea and coffee making, plus the bonus of home-made cake - speaker Pete Juzl shared the amazing work of this group of volunteers.

Their mission? ‘To relieve sickness and promote health by transporting urgently needed blood, human tissue and other medical essentials between NHS facilities and patients’ homes free of charge’

Using their fleet of nine motorcycles, two 4x4 cars and a support van, the highly-trained drivers raced 3,000 medications, 3,500 samples for analysis, 500 sets of medical notes, 183 Air Ambulance re-supplies, 300 pieces of medical equipment (on top of delivering blood and milk donations) to those whose lives depended on them. The riders take advanced driving tests and are retested at least every three years, on top of regular checks to ensure that their riding is of the highest calibre.

They’re supported by co-ordinators (who are also volunteers), who take the incoming calls from the NHS and send the drivers on their tasks across the Three Counties. Being part of a national network means that from time to time, they take part in relays between Blood Bike branches, ensuring safe onward transit through their patch.

Thanks to the skill and commitment of The Severn Freewheelers, many lives have been saved. ‘Thank you’ to Steve and all the volunteers.

The next Priory Lunch Box will be on 24th October, when the ‘So X-Sighted’ visually impaired Morris Dancers will be sharing their skill.

Why not come along? Bring your lunch - tables and hot drinks are provided - at 12.30, with the entertainment starting at 1pm. Hope to see you there!