In the first meeting back in Cowbridge Town Hall last Thursday, Y Bont Faen WI were treated to a riveting presentation by Jason and Carlton from Blood Bikes Wales.

Blood Bikes Wales are part of a UK based charity that provides a completely free round the clock courier service to assist the NHS. They cover the whole of Wales with teams of volunteer co-ordinators and riders based throughout the Principality. They even ride on Christmas Day!

The riders transport a range of medical based materials such as blood, plasma, tissue samples, scans, x-rays and surgical equipment. If it fits on the bike they will transport it – in all weathers – safety permitting!

They also provide a daily breast milk donor courier service for premature babies – transporting life saving donor milk to neonatal units all over Wales.

The riders are trained to an extremely high standard in order to transport the delicate and sometimes hazardous products safely. The Blood Bike Service was used extensively during the coronavirus lockdown period.

The charity relies purely upon donations and volunteers.

They save the NHS thousands of pounds in taxi service fees and free up the emergency services which would otherwise be called upon for transportation.

Going forward in Wales the Blood Biker Service aim to become involved with Ty Hafen the Welsh Children's Hospice and mobile adult cancer testing units – transporting urgent tissue samples, saving precious time and money for all concerned.

The members of the WI were impressed by the dedication portrayed by Jason and Carlton who, as volunteer riders give their time so willingly and enthusiastically.

A Blood Bikes Wales BMW motorbike was on display for the 'biker chicks' amongst us to hop onto for a photo opportunity!