The Blood Runners…
By Tim Goodman • 11th November 2011 • 148 viewsEver wanted to know what The Blood Runners do? How does it all work with those volunteer riders out in the night delivering blood and emergency medical items to hospitals across the country…SERV Chairman Tim Goodman says it’s all about people who want to make a difference and give their time to help both patients in need and their local Hospitals.
Thirty years ago a small handful of bikers decided to help their local Hospital with urgent blood and sample deliveries at night – all at no charge. Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV) was formed, and now covers most of the South-East of England.
Over 500 rider volunteers are ready twice a month to be on call anytime from 7 at night to 6 in the morning delivering urgently needed blood, samples, dvd scans and medication to local hospitals. They do this free of charge to the NHS and if using their own bikes, even pay their own fuel!
From London to the Coast can be long haul, but SERV riders have a neat change-over routine with each other so nobody goes too far or gets too tired, whilst the package speeds on it’s way. Urgent blood usually gets delivered in less than 2 hours, and that could make a big difference to a patient.
SERV has a small fleet of marked up hi-viz Blood Bikes stationed across the region which are fully fuelled and maintained by the charity. Devitt Insurance Services has been it’s biggest donator for many years and insures the charity’s fleet of bikes – a very welcome and essential contribution. Our advanced qualified riders use these on rota, typically Pan-Europeans, BMW RT’s, FJR’s and the like as additional support to evening shift helping the regular volunteer teams.
Responsible skilful riding is the order of the day though, we never forget there’s a Hospital that needs to be certain the delivery gets there safely – GP heroes need not apply. The satisfaction buzz from handing that box over on a dark night is more fun than getting your knee down.
Many parts of the UK have Bloodbike Groups go to www.bloodbikes.org.uk for the full picture. Most will require advanced rider qualifications, will give you training and a satisfaction that you are making a difference. If you are in the South-East and want to ride, help, fundraise or just know more visit www.SERV.org.uk
Chairman of SERV, Tim Goodman is keen to spread the SERV message so watch out for his regular KBB updates on how The Blood Runners have been helping local communities and people like you… you can view it on www.keepbritainbiking.com.
If you’re one of SERV’s Bloodrunners join Keep Britain Biking and take part in the dedicated ‘private’ group now
FZR600R Tony Dawson said: On November 13, 2011
A very worthwhile thing to get into, I have been a members of SERV Herts & Beds for over two & a half years, I have done numerous runs (47 in 2010) & although it cost me around £10 a run in fuel it’s worth every moment & penny, I had an accident about 5 years ago which severed my right leg, the NHS hospital at Bedford were brilliant, after being rushed to the hospital & then into the operating theatre for an 8hr 16 min operation I woke up with my leg attached, 3 months later I left hospital on crutches & 3 months after that I was back on a bike. I owe my gratitude to the NHS & the people who worked so hard, not just to save my leg but also my life.
Thats why I joined SERV & will continue to go out at night & help the NHS whenever I can.
Carl Burtonwood said: On February 19, 2012
I think the men and women who volunteer their time for people who they never will meet that they make a differance for by delivering the blood that they need so desperately. I hold my hands up I may have been one of those people has I had a serious crash last year where I needed a lot of blood transfusion while in theator and recovering in the ward at Birminghams Royal Elizibeth which I owe a great thankyou for what they did for meet. So I have great respects for you all and a big thank you if you did deliver the blood .
Respects Carl
P.s Ive wrote to you for info on becoming a Blood rider