Leicester & Rutland Blood Bikers Colin and Jim came give us a talk about their work, and what work they do!

They belong to one of 25 Blood Bike groups which cover between them most of the UK population. As a totally volunteer-based charity, they support local health organisations in the Leicestershire and Rutland as well as the local air ambulance, providing free out-of-hours transport of emergency medical supplies such as blood, blood samples, human milk, and other items all the year round. And although they are based in the two counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, covering approximately 979 mi² with a population of around 1 million, they frequently liaise with other groups which can mean riding their bikes, or driving one of their fleet vehicles, sometimes hundreds of miles at any time of day or night

In 2021 Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes were very deservedly awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest possible award for volunteer groups, equivalent to being awarded an MBE.