Devon blood bike charity seeks volunteers amid rising costs

Summarised from DevonLive's report · Updated 17 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Devon Freewheelers, a charity that transports medical samples by motorcycle, is seeking volunteers as fuel costs rise and pothole damage increases repair bills.

Devon Freewheelers is a charity that transports tens of thousands of medical test samples annually using volunteer motorcycle riders. The organisation also relies on call handlers working from home to coordinate schedules, mechanics to maintain the motorcycles, and car drivers to help replenish blood stocks. The service allows medical facilities such as surgeries and hospitals to send samples to laboratories like the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital and Derriford hospital more frequently and without charge, with collection often happening outside business hours.

The charity is entirely funded by donations and grants. Fuel costs have doubled, and pothole damage is causing expensive repairs to motorcycles, placing strain on its finances. Nigel Denny, a trustee who has volunteered as a rider for five years, said the main purpose was 'helping provide quicker results for patients', adding that most people had no idea what the service did. The organisation is now appealing for additional volunteers across all roles to help meet continuing demand.

Read the report

• 'Most people have no idea what we do': Inside Devon's life-saving blood bike serviceRising fuel costs and £1,000 pothole bills are hitting a vital Devon healthcare charity - they need your helpDevonLive · 17 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Devon Freewheelers · Royal Devon & Exeter hospital · Derriford hospital · Devon Air Ambulance · Nigel Denny · Devon

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