Keeping drivers across the UK on the road is a simple enough explanation of what GSF does, but their teams in Region 1 have gone a step further by helping the Northumbria Blood Bikes charity’s fleet of vehicles that transport life-saving blood around the north east.
Blood Bikes are an organisation of volunteers, set up in 2012, that take vital NHS supplies such as blood packs and test results across the country outside of standard hours. Usually taken by taxi or courier at cost to the NHS, these are vital funds that can make a greater difference spent elsewhere. Blood Bikes enable the NHS to rely on supplies being delivered safely and on time at no further charge to them.
In the north east, GSF branch teams are working with Blood Bikes to ensure their vehicles are maintained and kept on the road at all times by donating parts for essential maintenance.
Divisional Director John Williams (pictured above with a Blood Bikes volunteer at GSF Newcastle branch) said: “We’re really proud to be able to help an organisation like Blood Bikes and the connection came through one of our customers, who’s a Blood Bikes volunteer.
“It’s essential for their fleet to be in top condition at all times, because the journeys they make to transport blood from site to site could genuinely save someone’s life.”
Blood Bikes Northumbria operate a small fleet of vehicles covering the areas of Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne City, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Blood Bikes Northumbria funding comes entirely from charitable donations, so it’s as important for them that their limited budget goes to the areas most in need.
For the past few years, DMC MOT Centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne has not only been giving up their own free time to ride for Blood Bikes Northumbria on the weekends, but servicing their vehicles at no extra cost. We’re now a valuable part of this maintenance routine, supplying service parts for all Blood Bikes Northumbria’s seven registered vehicles.
John added: “As part of the relationship, Blood Bikes display our GSF logo across their vehicles, so our name is out there as a supporter too.
“It’s fantastic to have established this partnership and we’re looking forward to seeing it develop in the years to come.”
Blood Bikes are actively fundraising in the community on a weekly basis. You don’t need to be a biker to help out, any one with a bit of free time can contribute. Be it Riders, Drivers, Shift Controllers or Fundraisers, there’s plenty of ways to make a difference.
