Phil Dodsworth on Blood Bikes, Scotland

Phil Dodsworth who is a volunteer and trustee of  Blood Bikes Scotland organisation, told us all about the organisation. which was a beneficiary of this year’s Classic Vehicle Show.

Phil explained that Blood Bikes Scotland serves the Lothian, Fife, Tayside, Forth Valley and Borders area and that other four other similar but differently-named groups cover the other areas of Scotland. BBS started in 2012 and is part of a UK National Association of Blood Bikes which was formed in 2008. The first group started in 1962 in Surrey. Blood Bikes Scotland provides a seven-day service to the NHS transporting not only blood but diagnostics test samples, medication, equipment, documents and urgent special items. BBS has 15 motor bikes and five cars used by 200 bikers and drivers. Its total of nearly 250 volunteers also includes controllers and fund-raisers. Phil gave examples of the work they carry out including delivery of items from Fife and Dundee to London using bike relays with similar groups in England. He said that in 2023, BBS had 9000 assignments covering over 250,000 miles and saved the NHS over £300,000 by not having to use couriers and taxis. All the people in Blood Bikes are volunteers and income comes from fund-raising, donations, and charitable trusts. It costs about £6000 per month to cover expenditure on equipment and insurance. A new BMW bike costs about £15,000. Phil thanked Kilrymont Rotary for its £600 donation from the club’s Classic Car Show earlier this year. Kilrymont president Gordon Moir introduced Phil and Grant Cargill proposed thanks for a comprehensive and most interesting talk on the great service provided in our area by Blood Bikes Scotland.

See attached a leaflet for information.