Bike charity aims to deliver speedy service

A service designed to deliver urgent medical samples in quick smart time is being rolled out across Lochaber, writes Fiona Scott.

Highland’s and Island’s Blood Bikes (HAIBB) started operating in Inverness on March 23, just prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, and after a busy start have quickly realised that, if they are to offer the speed of service to NHS Highland that they would like, they need bikes located in each hospital area.

A BMW F800GT is expected to arrive in Fort William on Saturday, June 6.

Jeremy Richardson, chairman of Highland and Islands

Blood Bikes, explained: ‘We have been operating from Inverness up to now and this means a minimum of 1.25 hours (the time taken to get from Inverness to Fort William) to respond to a call.

‘By having a bike in Fort William, the response will be instant, and we can have samples at the Raigmore Laboratory within the previous one way travel time.

‘We see this as a start, with our service developing along with the demand that is generated in the Lochaber area.’

HAIBB is entirely voluntary and is currently on the look out for riders in the area.

‘Ideally we would like many riders in the Lochaber area so that each one was only doing one or two shifts per month,’ added Mr Richardson.

Car drivers are also needed to supplement the service during the winter months.

Go to www.haibloodbikes. co.uk for more information.

HAIBB are always looking for financial support and are looking for support within the communities they serve. There are many corporate sponsorship opportunities available to local companies and funding groups. More information can be obtained from the HAIBB fund raising manager at fundraising@ haibloodbikes.co.uk