A matter of life and death
RECENT tragic events have highlighted the vital role of our front- line emergency services. They need all the help they can get. Never more so when it comes to ensuring vital blood supplies quickly reach the scene of accidents and major incidents.
Next Wednesday is World Blood Day and Dacia, the budget arm of Renault, is helping a group of volunteer blood bikers get supplies to where they are required.
Dacia UK has donated a Duster 4x4 to Serv OBN, which helps the NHS distribute blood and blood products throughout oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire cost-free.
Serv OBN is a founder member of the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes, first formed in the Sixties to transport urgently needed medical items.
Based at the NHS blood transfusion unit at John Radcliffe hospital, oxford, the Duster will aid 124 volunteers.
Last year, riders made 1,500 journeys. on average they are called out for three runs a day and volunteers work all hours, 365 days a year.
The fully- equipped 4x4 will provide a quicker response for larger loads, or help if the bike fleet is grounded by bad weather. It can carry up to five people or a payload of 1,636 litres with the back seats down.
The service receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations and sponsorship.
Paul Stothard, of Serv OBN, said: ‘The Duster 4x4 will make such a difference to our efforts. It will provide a life- saving service for those in need of it.’
Louise o’Sullivan, head of Dacia UK, said: ‘We are proud to support the humbling work the team do and hope the arrival of the Duster contributes to saving many more lives.’
If you fancy a Duster as a family runaround, prices start from £9,495 for the basic Access model up to £17,395 for the top-range Prestige.