Devon Freewheelers volunteers have welcomed a new blood bike to the charity’s fleet – made possible thanks to generous donations made by the public.
The charity took stock of the 1000 S Kawasaki Versys model from Bournemouth Kawasaki, as part of an upgrade of the blood bike fleet.
Still in its infancy, the new bike has already clocked-up more than 2,000 miles in a month.
It is used daily by the volunteers as they carry out the charity’s free transport and courier service, supporting the NHS and patients across Devon.
Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has donated to help make this new blood bike possible.
“We can only do what we do because of the generosity of the public who raise funds for the charity.”
Mr Roe said the new bike would be used every day by the volunteers, for picking up and transporting the medical samples and supplies, blood and breast milk, taking them wherever needed.
“It is only through donations that the charity can offer these services to the NHS and community for free, so the money saved can be used to benefit patient care instead,”! said Mr Roe.
When the new blood bike was collected it had just one mile on the clock.
Once it was liveried and logoed with its graphics, blood biker volunteer Mick Scaife – who oversees the fleet’s maintenance – began running-in the new vehicle.
Mick said: “We are maintaining and updating a modern fleet.
“As part of the fleet management, over a period of time, the bikes will change.
“We will replace the old with new, providing a fleet of modern bikes.”
Bournemouth Kawasaki, who supplied the new bike, praised the Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers for their work in the community.
Pete Extance, Bournemouth Kawasaki Managing Director, based in Dorset, said: “Bournemouth Kawasaki are really pleased to be able to help such a worthy charity, with both motorcycles and servicing, to help with the movement of important medical supplies and other essential cargo.
“Devon Freewheelers certainly have a great fleet of Kawasaki machines, knowing the reliability is going to be there in an emergency, or when needed.
“For ourselves it’s a double win with the Kawasaki brand being shown wherever the bikes go.”
He added: “Keep up the good work, I am sure you have been greatly appreciated, especially during the pandemic.”
Photos shows: Mick Scaife with the new blood bike. Credit: Devon Freewheelers.
