Star saviour
Actors and normal bikers help support the NHS
Countless motorcyclists across the UK are volunteering their time during the ongoing battle with Covid-19 – maintaining the thrill of riding during the lockdown period while delivering packages to those in need.
“It’s kept me sane over these last weeks – particularly on days where it’s nice clear blue sky,” Billericay-based Graham Bell told MCN. Offering a prescription home delivery service aboard his KTM 1290 Super Duke GT for two local pharmacies, Graham transports up to 15 parcels from each site every morning alongside any additional orders taken in the afternoon.
“For the people I deliver to, part of it is a social thing. A lot of people have been isolated – many of them are very elderly and they like to have a little chat at the door,” Graham continued. “I feel very privileged to be out riding and I try to make the most of it.” Elsewhere, Cardiff-based actor, Charlie Dale, is delivering prescription paperwork between his local surgery and pharmacy aboard his Triumph Scrambler 1200XC.
“I was sitting in my house and it was beautiful weather and I thought ‘this is mad, I should be out riding.’ I thought ‘there’s got to be something that somebody needs doing,’” the 57-yearold explained.
“They run two surgeries about five or six miles apart and they needed somebody to take the prescriptions out and deliver for them. Every day I go and pick them up and take them out to their pharmacy that they use and then I bring a load of stuff back.” Travelling between 20 and 25 miles a day, Charlie says the time out on the bike has been important for his mental health during lockdown, stating: “What better way is there to get your head sorted than going for a ride – every biker in the world knows that.”
On top of his prescription work, Charlie is set to begin delivering emergency supplies for Specsavers and has set time aside to assist with the Velindre Cancer Centre in the city.
‘I thought there must be things I could do’ CHARLIE DALE, VOLUNTEER RIDER