The ‘wonderful’ Devon Freewheelers Blood Bike volunteers are celebrating winning the support of the 2022 Exeter Golf and Country Club golf captains, who have launched their charity of the year.
New golf captains, Steve Sheldon and Christine Norton, who were welcomed in by golf members, announced their chosen charity to members attending the club’s recent annual general meeting.
Steve, who recently visited the charity headquarters in Honiton, to meet the volunteers, said: “I am delighted to be working with this wonderful charity and that we are able to support all of the work it undertakes in our local communities.
“Having recently met the charity at their headquarters, I am also pleased that they have committed to actively get involved in our fundraising events thoroughout the year.
“We look forward to working alongside them and appreciate the support of our membership at these events.”
Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “The support of the 2022 Exeter Golf and Country Club golf captains will enable the blood bike volunteers to continue their community work across the South West, helping the NHS for free.
“The volunteers were so grateful to learn the Devon Freewheelers had been chosen as the captains’ charity of the year.
“Every penny raised for the charity is ploughed back into keeping the free courier service on the road, transporting blood, breast milk, and medical supplies to wherever they are needed, at no cost.”
He added: “We wish the new golf captains, Steve Sheldon and Christine Norton, a memorable captaincy, and thank them both for recognising the work of the Devon Freewheelers.”
Steve learned about the Devon Freewheelers free courier service, supporting the NHS, after speaking to Tanya Robinson, manager at Wear Park Spa.
Tanya’s husband, Jim, has been a volunteer blood biker with the Devon Freewheelers for several years.
An Exeter Golf and Country Club spokesperson said: “Steve has been following the work of the Devon Freewheelers for a couple of years through Tanya, spa manager at Wear Park Spa, whose husband volunteers as a motorcyclist.
“Having got to know Tanya and Jim, Steve became aware of the invaluable support the charity provides to the NHS and how their impact can help people of all ages and from all backgrounds when they’re most in need.”
The new captains will host events for members throughout the year.
The club spokesperson said: “Steve and Chris plan to hold a series of events during their captaincy year including the ladies and men’s Pro-Am events in May and June, the ladies and men’s captaincy days in June and July and a Christmas golf event in December.”
- Photo shows (left to right): blood biker Jim Robinson, volunteer Vikki Finney, golf captain Steve Sheldon, Devon Freewheelers CEO, Russell Roe. Credit: Devon Freewheelers