Festive News 2017 2017 | Page 19

MAYOR’S FUND FOR BLOOD BIKES FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2017 • PAGE 19 The Mayor Cllr Sharon Michael on a blood bike at a High Town display to promote the project. Photo courtesy of James Maggs. It’s an unusual name for an organisation, but the volunteer ‘Blood Bikers’ provide a vital free out of hours courier service delivering life -saving blood supplies to hospitals across the country as well as other urgent medical essentials. Yet another example of volunteers at work! The real name of the group covering four counties is Severn Freewheelers, but Herefordshire is the only one without a specially adapted motor bike having to rely on the other counties. “Before becoming Mayor I was at an event where I learnt about the splendid work the charity does and decided to include it as one of the charities to be supported during my year in office. They are an amazing dedicated team and having one of the highly visual bikes based here in Hereford will be invaluable,” said the Mayor, Cllr Sharon Michael, whose other supported charity is the local branch of the Autistic Society, another volunteer led service. The volunteers are all trained in emergency response and transport of medical supplies. A night shift covers 7pm to 7am. Hereford Lions Club has contributed £1,000 to the Mayor’s fund. If you want to know more about the charity, or are interested in joining the volunteers, go to: severnfreewheelers.org.uk. !