HEALTH’S ANGELS
Invaluable transport service for the NHS is among the potential winners
BIKERS love the freedom of the open road – but some of them also help the NHS by delivering vital samples and equipment.
Blood Bikes Scotland provides a free transportation service for the NHS in Fife, Lothians, Borders and Forth Valley.
Last year they undertook 10,000 runs, delivering test samples to labs and medication from hospitals, hospices and care homes to patients.
The group of more than 130 selfless volunteers have been nominated in the Volunteers category in the 2021 Scottish Health Awards, run by the Daily Record in partnership with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.
They are among the healing heroes in Scotland’s health and social care services who are being celebrated by the awards, now in their 20th year.
Blood Bikes Scotland chairman John Baxter, who is also one of the 80 or so riders, said: “We’re so pleased to be nominated as it lets more people know about what we do, which helps with donations and fundraising as well as letting NHS services know what we can offer.”
The charity uses 14 BMW RT bikes, the kind used by the police, and three Kia Rio cars to transport more than 1000 items a month. They receive no statutory funding and buy vehicles, fuel and equipment from funds raised themselves.
John, who was awarded an
MBE earlier this year, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to volunteer by doing something I enjoy.”
John, 57, and his wife Anne, 60, both work for the charity, with Anne controlling the dispatch phones.
John said: “It’s brilliant to be recognised by this nomination and to celebrate our successes and achievements.”