June 2020 Newsletter

THANK YOU TO BP FOR GIVING US TEN WEEKS OF FREE FUEL

THANK YOU NABB FOR HELPING ACHIEVE FUEL SAVINGS FOR NBB Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Bikers Support- Blood Bikes ‘End of the Garden’ Rally 2020- COVID-19

The Bikers Support group have been supporting the NHS by donating an amazing £10,000 and also giving £6000 to Blood Bike groups. Now they have very kindly extended their fundraising activities through the ‘End of the Garden’ -Blood Bikes Rally 2020 -COVID-19. They have created merchandise for sale with Blood Bikes groups receiving the profits. If you want to have a look and raise funds for NABB head to

http://endofthegardenrally.webstarts.com

Thanks Bikers Support that is Brilliant!!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Masks in the Making As we all begin the challenging process of getting back to the ‘new normal’ we have been able to arrange for some Northumbria Blood Bikes branded face masks. We think they look pretty smart and just the job to help us all keep safe and well as we move forwards from lockdown.

You can purchase one for £10 or two for £15, they can be mixed and matched to your requirements. The price includes postage, follow the link to place an order: https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/facemasks

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

The Marvellous Mayor of Morpeth- Alison Byard-Bows Out In StyleThank you Alison You may have seen the updates in our newsletters highlighting the amazing work of the Mayor of Morpeth Alison Byard. We were so delighted to hear that she had nominated NBB to be the Mayoral Charity of the Year. She has been present for many charity events in and around Morpeth and has highlighted our work wherever she went, eagerly holding an NBB donation bucket instead of a handbag. In the cold and wet she has happily shown her support to NBB with a smile.

We would like to say a special thank you to her for nominating NBB and we will also be excited to see a new addition to the NBB fleet from her fundraising activities. Many thanks also to those who have donated directly to the Mayors charity, particularly Northumberland Freemasons and the William Leech Trust, and to those who have been to events and kindly donated to NBB, we could not do it without you.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Message from Alison Byard- Mayor of Morpeth “I am delighted to announce that my fundraising total for my charity Northumbria Blood Bikes has reached £35,000!!!

This includes a generous donation of £3,000 from Northumberland Freemasons and £10,000 from the William Leech Trust. (Housebuilder William Leech lived in Morpeth and his company built Lancaster Park, Stobhill Grange and Kirkhill).

I would like to thank the generous people of Morpeth, local businesses, and organisations for their fantastic support for Northumbria Blood Bikes, whose volunteers work so hard to support our NHS, especially during the current crisis. I look forward to seeing our new 'Morpeth' Blood Bike as soon as can be arranged!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Great North Run 13.9.2020- 40TH Year Sadly the GNR for 2020 has now been cancelled which, is such a shame as it would have been the 40th anniversary this year. However, we do hope to have places in the 2021 GNR and it would be great if you could put all that pandemic running to good use. Updates and information can be found on the link below. Make a GNR resolution today to keep up all that training and join us in 2021.

We have heard that some people are still intending to set up running challenges to raise money for their charities. We would love to hear of anything you do to continue to raise funds for us. We know our supporters can be highly creative. Run for us so we can keep running for the NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance.

To join team #BloodBikesGNR. Sign up today via: gnr@northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk

A huge thank you to our past runners and fundraisers from the Great North Run you are amazing.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Thank You -INEOS -Community Fund A huge thank you to the INEOS- Community Fund for their very generous donation of ÂŁ6000.

The INEOS Community Fund was established by the company to support vital local charities around its sites during the Covid-19 pandemic. Former NBB rider Steve Brown, put us forward to his employers, as a local, worthy cause for the fund. NBB fundraising officer- Tiger Taylor wanted to send a special thank you to Steve Brown and David Rey (INEOS Group Finance Manager) for their support in arranging the donation. With all charities struggling to fundraise at the moment, this donation from the INEOS Community Fund is fantastic and generous. The donation will be used to keep our NBB fleet safely on the road and our service running through the next few months.

Alongside the INEOS Community Fund, the company has also jumped into action creating hand sanitiser in reponse to the pandemic, building 4 plants in the UK (Near Newton Aycliffe), France, Germany and the US which each supplied 1 million bottles of hand sanitser, per month for free to the NHS and frontline health workers. The hand sanitiser is now available to the general public.

Thank you INEOS you are life saving!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

In Memory of Kenneth Linney Thank you to the family and friends of Kenneth Linney who sadly passed away on 19.4.20 aged 78 years.

The family asked for donations to NBB as Ken was a keen lifelong motorcyclist and supporter of many bike charities. The £200 raised will be put towards running NBB. Our condolences go to the family and friends and we thank them for their kind support at such a difficult time for them.

Thank you Co-op Customers -Haydon Bridge Our volunteer Lorna very kindly collected and returned one of our NBB collection boxes from the Co-op at Haydon Bridge. Many thanks to all of the staff and customers who donated. All of that change added up to a pretty penny totalling £20. Fantastic we promise to use it wisely.

Thank you and well-done Fishnets- Fish and Chip shop at Greenside Fishnets collection tin contained a fabulous £53.16, so thank you to all of those hungry customers who donated their change to us. Our NBB rider Rob was delighted to collect the box and we bet he could not resist buying a fish supper too.

If you would like us to deliver a collection box, please get in touch: funds@northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Lost Boy Legacy Northumbria Blood Bikes are very proud to be able introduce our newest bike to our fleet ‘Lost Boy’. After the hard work of Owen Kerry’s family and friends who have fundraised over the last few years creating a lasting legacy in his honour.

Rachel Kerry, Owen’s mother, said: “We chose the name ‘Lost Boy’ because this was the name of one of the songs played at Owens funeral. We feel that it’s fitting because he’s our boy and he’s no longer with us. The name also links into Peter Pan and that Owen will never grow up and will stay the funloving young man we all know.

It is a great honour for us to be able to name a Blood Bike. We don’t want Owen to be remembered as the lad who was murdered on Christmas Eve, we wanted to create his legacy and we were desperate for something positive to focus on and to be able to help others and potentially save lives. To know that we have raised enough money to support the community in this way is comforting for us all.

We have been encouraging as many people as possible to give blood in memory of Owen. He received multiple units of blood at the RVI, delivered by Northumbria

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Blood Bikes that night so we wanted to give something back.

We assumed, as I think many do, that blood is just available as and when anyone may need it, this is not the case.

Without Northumbria Blood Bikes the supply of blood for Owen would not have been available. We had no idea all the other essential duties NBB also carry out.”

Owen’s family and friends have focused on three very important campaigns #APintForOwen to encourage blood donation, #LegacyOfOurLostBoy to support Northumbria Blood Bikes, #StrongerTogether the way they have achieved this…together.

This new bike is supporting people across the North East as it is already on operational duty.

All of the volunteers for Northumbria Blood Bikes would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has created Owen’s legacy.

#BloodBikes #ItsWhatWeDo #MakeADifference

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

NBB to the rescue Once again, we want to send our thanks to the Mark Benevolent fund for the incredible donation that enabled us to purchase our new radio and computer controller systems. During a recent shift one of our NBB riders Tiger, came across an accident and stopped to assist. Unfortunately, Tiger was on a rural road, in the pitch dark, with no significant landmarks or signage. The shift controller Johnathan was able to pinpoint our rider’s location, utilising our new system and was able to give the emergency services the Coordinates and Grid reference. Emergency Services were on site promptly and able to assist those involved in the accident.

Great teamwork everyone and thank you again Mark Benevolent Fund for your generous donation.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Northumberland Lottery Update It’s so easy to play. Log in to the website below, search for ‘Northumbria Blood Bikes’ and Register for an account, choose your lucky numbers and set up your desired payment. No subscription required so you can stop playing whenever you like. But as they say- ‘You’ve got to be in it to win it!’ https://www.northumberlandlottery.co.uk/

Draw 30.05.2020- Numbers- 413191 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!)

Mr A supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Draw 6.06.2020- Numbers- 386259 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!)

Mrs R supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Draw 13.06.2020- Numbers- 042653 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!)

Mrs L supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Draw 20.06.2020- Numbers- 035757 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!)

The first week with no NBB winners- but if these are your lucky numbers sign up now!

Draw 27.6.20– 914040 (match the first 2-6 numbers in a row to win!)

Mr R supporting Northumbria Blood Bikes- Won 3 extra tickets

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

National Volunteers Week 1st-7th June 2020 In last months newsletter we sent thanks to our volunteers who do an incredible job for NBB. The service is 100% volunteer led and run, and provides amazing support to our NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance colleagues. Over the next few editions we will be including some write ups from our volunteers on why they chose NBB to give their valuable time to. We hope you enjoy these and perhaps when we are in a position to induct and train new volunteers, you might want to come and join us. More information about all of the roles you can undertake can be found at: https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/ We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers past and present for all of their contributions and celebrate the amazing work they do. We are proud of the work you all do and could not do it without you, you are incredible.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Why I volunteer... “I heard about NBB from one of my motorcycling friends, Ken T, who is a very active member and he extolled the virtues of the charity and the good work that was done by them.

I joined as a volunteer in June 2018, but it was 30th September that year before I was able to do my first shift, after having done the induction, training and familiarisation first which had to fit in around my busy job. I joined because I was starting to think about early retirement and would need some new interests, as well as having been persuaded by Ken to undergo my advanced rider training (he is an instructor) to make me a better rider. I am active within another charitable organisation, the Freemasons, and they were starting to support the blood bikes quite significantly so it also tied my two interests together.

I volunteer in a number of roles as Rider/Driver/Controller/Rota Assistant - I started as a rider, but then after a winter riding in some pretty bad weather at times, I decided to undertake advanced driver training as well so I could also drive the cars, particularly when cold to be able to keep the blood deliveries flowing. I attended a controller workshop to get a better understanding of what they do and was not intending to take on the role but was persuaded to give it a go. I have to say it can be the most challenging operational role at times but is very satisfying work. In order to get more involved with the charity, I also volunteered to assist the Rota Manager in ensuring we have enough people to cover the shifts and deliver the service.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

I treat it very much like work now that I am retired (usually even saying I am working tonight or on a certain day when chatting to people). As you are only asked to give up time to undertake 2 shifts a month it is quite easy to fit them in, although I average 1 a week usually, and having achieved my bronze and silver awards for 25 & 50 shifts I am confident I will reach my next milestone of 100 shifts by the end of 2020. Not bad for what will be just over 2 years.

The professionalism of the charity astounded me when I started and continues to remind me of how dedicated the people are who deliver the service to such a high standard. I have met some great people who I now count as friends, and enjoy getting out on rides and holidays with as well.

On my 3rd ever shift I covered an amazing 423 miles, and hardly stopped at all during the 12 hours with 2 trips to Berwick, and trips to Darlington, Sunderland, Cramlington and a few more. Pretty much the length and breadth of the area we cover. The other amazing thing is the respect and friendliness given to you by the other emergency services so that you feel that you are one of their own. Also, just people saying thank you as you go about the deliveries, and how grateful they are for what we do.

It is always good to give something back, and to help people whoever they may be or whatever circumstances they find themselves in. I have broadened my horizons and contributed to helping more people, even though I will never know who they are, but appreciate it could enable them to survive some trauma or illness and recover to have a good life.

My name is Mick Redpath and that’s why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.�

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Why I volunteer…

“I first heard about NBB through Stormin' the Castle. I joined to ride bikes (especially when mine aren't reliable) and help others, I have always volunteered doing something so this is my passion for bikes and volunteering all in one.

I volunteer as rider and controller. I normally do weekend shifts only and then Sat, Sat night and reluctantly I can do a Sunday riding shift.

My work is long hours with a long commute. So other shifts are really tricky to fit in.

The best thing I have experienced is the banter with the other riders. Knowing that we are really helping and working flexibly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am not a sociable person normally and blood-biking means that I automatically have something in common with the people I volunteer alongside. I get to chat to people I wouldn't ordinarily ever meet let alone speak to.

My name is Kim Michelle and that’s why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Why I volunteer…

“I first heard about NBB when I was shopping in Asda Benton and Sean was there collecting.

I decided to join that day after I got home, which was about 3 years ago. Following the passing of my best friend. I'm a rider, driver and infrequent fundraiser.

I work full time for Newcastle Hospitals, so I am really busy (especially at the minute with covid) so I usually try and do a Hexham shift through week and a full shift at a weekend.

The sense of giving something back, feels like a small thing to give up time, but it has a profound impact on the hospitals ability to provide an improved service to patients.

My most memorable moment was being selected as Newcastle Hospitals charity of the year in 2019, I was double proud.

I will never be able to bring my best friend back, but every delivery could be the difference between someone else living or dying... and it's that sense of pride, every time I put on the uniform.

A small act of kindness can be life changing, even if we don’t even realise it.

My name is John Thompson and that’s why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Spotlight on Shift Controllers Over the last two editions we have celebrated the work of our incredible shift controllers. Their role is a demanding one, as they coordinate all incoming requests from our NHS partners and allocate work to our shift riders and drivers.

We include the final questionnaire from our spotlight on shift controllers for the time being.

There is more information on the website if you want to find out more or check out our last two newsletter editions. We are not yet able to take on further volunteers but watch this space for when we are able to recruit again. https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/support/volunteer Shift Controller Quick Questionnaire- the final in our current series What made you want to volunteer for NBB? I wanted to give something back to the community that I live in. Also I love motorbikes and wanted to make like-minded friends. Shift controlling ticked all the boxes as I’m able to work from home and it allows me contact with people.

What role/s do you undertake for NBB? Shift control and some fund raising.

I’ve done around 60 shifts.

What do you really enjoy about being a shift controller? The craic , Geordies and Northumbrians have the best sense of humour whilst being incredibly kind.

Have you had any funny moments on shift that you can tell us about? Kept calling one biker anything but his own name, resulting in all sorts of giggles from the folks on shift .

What is the most challenging aspect of the role? Boredom when it’s really quiet.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Where do you work from when you are on your 7- hour shift? Sometimes the kitchen (deadly for snacking) but usually the sun- room.

Do you have any great tips or ideas for new shift controller? 1. Focus on one thing at a time, don’t try to answer the radio when taking a call. 2. Be prepared well before your shift, have water/drinks/snacks with you. 3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the riders and drivers they’re all willing to help.

What about NBB would you recommend to others? The camaraderie, we are all trying to help the NHS and do a good job. Excellent teamwork What’s your favourite shift refreshment and snack? Chocolate or cheese and biscuits (sometimes both to keep me awake).

Would you like to give a special shout out to anyone in NBB, who has helped you or gone that extra mile to support you since you joined? There’s a few people who have really helped me : Bill D.(shift buddy), Derek H. ( had the patience of a saint when I was panicking about filling the BoB run data and got mixed up, which was a regular occurrence at first ), Joe P., Ronnie P. for replying to texts at all hours of the evening .

Thanks R. The role of a speaker for NBB To publicise our work our organisation has a Publicity officer. This role is a Committee led one, however it has such a large remit that there are roles to provide additional support. There are a couple of roles specific for speakers.

These are the ‘Talks Coordinator’ and the role of ‘Speaker’.

We often receive requests from other groups and organisations requesting a speaker for their events. Sadly, during the COVID-19 pandemic all talks have been cancelled, so our speakers have been temporarily standing down. It is however a great way to promote our work and we do try to take a fleet car or motorbike along, so that people can have a closer look and often sit in or on a blood vehicle. We find the blood bikes are particularly popular and we get to

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

take some fantastic photos for our newsletters. Our speakers often make us jealous as many groups also provide home-baking for their meetings, so cake is an additional sweetener. What does it take to be a speaker for NBB, you should: 

feel confident to present to groups, which can be 10-100+;



be smart in appearance and happy to wear an NBB approved uniform;



be IT literate as you will need to set up and operate a laptop, projector and screen and sometimes you may be asked to wear or use a microphone;



be knowledgeable and aware of the presentation material and the work of NBB;



feel comfortable working on your own, use your initiative and keep up to date with the work of NBB;



feel comfortable to answer questions and promote the organisation positively;



be able to liaise with organisers, complete paperwork, accept donations and take photographs of the event;



be able to update NBB colleagues and other NBB members in relation to events attended;



feel confident to provide updates via social media to relevant sites;



be able to liaise with the Talks Coordinator, Publicity Officer and other associated volunteers as required;



have a love or appreciation of home baking- not really a requirement but it does seem to feature heavily in our speaker’s reports.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Full training and support is given for the role and until you feel confident you will be able to attend other events and observe or support other speakers. To undertake the role of speaker you must have been a member of NBB, perhaps for some time, and be fully up to date regarding the work we do. We currently have a dozen speakers and our NBB Talks Coordinator works closely with them to book talks and vehicles and arrange equipment. If there are vacancies for speakers information will be circulated to all existing NBB members, so if you are interested in expanding your role/s within NBB do look out for this.

A big thank you to our merry band of speakers for all the hard work you do to promote NBB, and also for the other roles you may also be active within. We hope you enjoy getting to know them a little bit from their speaker quick questionnaires' Thank you to all the groups and organisations that we have attended and for any donations received. We do hope that once things adjust to the ‘new normal’ that our talks may be possible again.

You can request a speaker by following the link to our website. Click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab and a drop-down list will appear choose the ‘Request a Speaker from NBB’ item and send us your information. https://www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/ contact

NBB Speaker- Quick Questionnaire- June 2020Carol Nelson How did you find out about Northumbria Blood Bikes?

I first heard of NBB at Dobbies Garden Centre.

There was a bike there and some fundraisers.

I’d never heard of them so I stopped to ask

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

NBB Speaker- Quick Questionnaire- June 2020- Carol Nelson How did you find out about Northumbria Blood Bikes?

I first heard of NBB at Dobbies Garden Centre. There was a bike there and some fundraisers. I’d never heard of them so I stopped to ask questions and pick up a leaflet. That was about 2016. I particularly liked the fact that there were roles suitable for me who isn’t a bike rider.

What was it about the organisation that made you want to be part of it?

I think our NHS is magnificent and over the years I’ve had outstanding service from them. This is a way I can give back to them. It’s really that simple.

What role/s do you undertake for NBB? I’m a controller and speaker. Just before lockdown I became the Young Peoples Coordinator but I haven’t done ANYTHING in that role yet so it’s not officially mine!

What was it about the role of Speaker that drew you to it?

Before I retired from the Civil Service, I delivered many, many talks. I loved it and didn’t find it daunting in the least, even if the audience was in the hundreds.

How did your first talk go and who was it to?

I did an observed talk as part of my training at Morpeth to St Georges United Reformed Church Teatime Talk Club. It went well, with questions I could answer.

I also had to handle being ‘miked up’. My first solo talk was to Greenside Womens Institute. I got a better idea of what to expect with this one as I had to find and set up a screen as well as my own equipment. WI’s always sing Jerusalem at the start of their meetings, so I did that too. The ladies were very interested in Blood Bikes so had lots of questions for me.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

What has been the best thing you have experienced as a speaker so far?

Not too much experience yet but I have been pleased at how well respected Blood Bikes are by those who have heard of us, and by how stunned those who haven’t heard of us are. I enjoy enlightening them!

What is the training for the role like?

Thorough. I attended a training event, observed 2 talks then gave an observed talk. I was itching to get going so it felt a bit long winded for me but there again, I had loads of experience. Other people might not feel the same. Also, in more normal times the talks can be spaced out so choosing the most local talks, getting the speaker’s permission to observe meant it spanned out a bit.

Can you give us three words that sum up the role of speaker, from your perspective?

Enjoyable, uplifting, fun.

Is there anyone in NBB who has helped you along the way that you would like to give a shout out to?

Loads! Bill D. for giving the best controller training possible. Nigel B. for speaker observation and support throughout. I borrow Nigel’s kit each time I do a talk and he hasn’t complained once! Peter R. who let me jump in to one of his talks whilst I was observing. Alan B. who also let me observe and offered loads of advice.

What is the best thing about being a volunteer for NBB? Everyone’s support. They believe so much in what they’re doing, and they (we) provide an unbeatable service.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

NBB Speaker- Quick Questionnaire- June 2020- Ken Tait How did you find out about Northumbria Blood Bikes?

Saw the NABB stand at the Motorcycle Live at the NEC, they told me the role it was taking and gave me the contact details of NBB. What was it about the organisation that made you want to be part of it?

I thought it was a good way of putting my interest in motorcycles to good use and as I was about to retire it seemed a worthwhile way of keeping me active.

What role/s do you undertake for NBB? I am a Rider, Driver, Speaker and assist the Training Officer in carrying out the annual riding assessments.

What was it about the role of Speaker that drew you to it?

There seemed to be a lot of misconceptions on the true role of Blood Bikes, a lot of people were of the opinion we were part of the Blood Transfusion Service, so thought it would be a good way of letting people what we actually do.

How did your first talk go and who was it to?

My first talk was to a Freemasons Lodge in Darlington, as I am a Freemason, it was a pretty relaxed debut as I knew all the people, I was explaining our role too. I like to think it went pretty well.

What has been the best thing you have experienced as a Speaker so far?

The warmth of people to our Charity. Once they know what our role is, and we do it for free their generosity is quite heart-warming, as the majority of the donations come from organisations like the WI. The Freemasons are a very generous organisation supplying us with funds for new bikes and equipment.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

What is the training for the role like?

Training is very good, we have a set format on video which we by and large stick to but does give you the scope to ad-lib slightly. Usually you would have an experienced talker with you on your first talk, who will assist and give advice after the talk.

Can you give us three words that sum up the role of speaker, from your perspective?

Authoritative, Educational, Approachable.

Is there anyone in NBB who has helped you along the way that you would like to give a shout out to?

Steve T. has been very helpful in getting me on the correct path as a speaker.

Also, Nigel B., who first got me interested in the role.

What is the best thing about being a volunteer for NBB? Great way of making friends, keeping active and assisting in a worthwhile cause.

Thank you, Carol and Ken, for the great insights into your volunteer work as NBB speakers, hopefully you will be out and about soon raising awareness of NBB’s work supporting the NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Volunteer Milestone Badge Awards We award our volunteers these badges when they reach shift milestones. These are issued quarterly, and we were delighted to award the following badges on 1.6.20 Congratulations all and very well done. Our volunteers have ensured that every shift was covered during this difficult pandemic so we are sure there will be many more badges to award in the next quarter.

Bronze awards for 25 shifts completed Alex J. Clive F. Craig M. Edward G. Gareth H. Helen A. Jonathan T. Richard T. Silver awards for 50 shifts completed Andrew. P Ann B. Keith A. Neil H. Sam Q. Steven L. Thomas M. Gold awards for 100 shifts completed Peter G. Steven D. Tony M. Gold/Red award for 200 shifts completed Steve T.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

More info from BP Plc here: https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/news-and-insights/press-releases/ information-for-uk-emergency-services-bp-customers-and-partners.html

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

THANK YOU BP Ltd & NATIONWIDE ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD BIKES

Helping us to go that Extra Mile We would also like to thank the National Association of Blood Bikes for their incredible support in negotiations with BP Ltd and championing our cause. They not only arranged for free fuel for ten weeks but have collaborated with BP to provide us with a longer- term fuel discount. This will mean a great deal to us, as we clock up quite some miles in fuel costs. This amazing discount will help us to continue supporting our NHS and Great North East Air Ambulance colleagues https://www.bloodbikes.org.uk/ & https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/news-and-insights/press-releases/information-for-ukemergency-services-bp-customers-and-partners.html

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Our rota manager Chris Mann also manages the requests from other areas to support the relay of blood, blood products, baby milk, specimens, equipment and samples. He sends a special thanks to the volunteers who, sometimes at short notice collect a blood bike or blood car and head over to meet colleagues from other blood bike organisations or the NHS. Team- work at its best and all free for the NHS. Great to work with you UK Blood Bike groups.

Cumbria to Newcastle Relays Our NBB Volunteer rider/drivers meet up with Cumbria Blood Bikes to deliver urgent samples to the Newcastle Trust Hospitals.

2.6.20- NBB relay rider Peter K. met up with Cumbria Blood Bikes to bring samples to Newcastle Trust Hospitals.

Edinburgh to Newcastle Relays Our NBB Volunteer rider/drivers meet up with Blood Bikes Scotland to transfer and deliver urgent samples from the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh to the Newcastle Trust Hospitals 8.6.20- NBB rider Keith A. met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to bring samples to the Freeman Hospital Newcastle.

9.6.20- NBB rider/driver Jason C. met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to deliver samples to the RVI in Newcastle.

29.6.20- NBB rider/driver Rob P. met up with Blood Bikes Scotland to relay samples to the Freeman Hospital Newcastle.

8.6.20- Relay Edinburgh to Newcastle Our NBB rider Keith arriving at Berwick Infirmary to meet a colleague from Blood Bikes Scotland.

A relay from Edinburgh to Berwick by Blood Bikes Scotland and then Berwick to the final destination at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle completed by NBB

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Thanks guys looks like a lovely day to show off the Blood Bikes too.

Scotland to Bristol Relays

These relays often involve several Blood Bike groups working in partnership. Our NBB riders/drivers will usually hand over/collect from the next Blood Bike group, at a suitable boundary point between the groups.

15.6.20- Our NBB rider/driver Gary T. met with Blood bikes Scotland to relay samples from Scotland to Bristol.

Our rider/driver collected at Berwick and handed over at Scotch Corner. A good long journey Gary, great work and hope the roads were clear for you.

Bristol to Newcastle Relays These relays often involve several Blood Bike groups working in partnership. Our NBB riders/drivers will usually hand over/collect from the next Blood Bike group, at a suitable boundary point between the groups.

9.6.20- Our rider Jason C collected samples at Scotch Corner and then relayed them to Newcastle Freeman Hospital.

Jason C. covered over 240 miles on 9.6.20 taking part in a relay from Scotland to Newcastle and then Bristol to Newcastle. Hope the weather was kind to him and well-done Jason.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Can you spot the 10 differences between the 2 pictures below?

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Solution- Last Editions ‘Spot the Difference’- Did you get them all?

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Sean Storey- Hospital Liaison Demand has continued for our services and the Job data for May 2020 shows that we completed 1,278 jobs this month. I would like to offer feedback from the Newcastle Hospital Trusts who are very grateful to NBB for their continued support. NBB volunteers are providing additional assistance directly to the Newcastle Hospital Trust, to deliver medical equipment and medication to patients at home. A special thanks is sent to these volunteers from the Trust.

May 2020 NBB Job Statistics Trust

Number of jobs

Newcastle Northumbria Gateshead/South Tyneside County Durham and Darlington

850 168 55 75

BoB-GNAAS Relay Corbridge Medical Group Other Total number of jobs

62 42 17 9 1,278

Chris Mann- Rota Manager A huge thanks to everyone for ensuring the rota has been covered fully over the last month. It has been great to see that any spare slots are quickly taken up.

Thanks to those picking up the relay rides, often at short notice. As always, the rota assistants have done a great job and thank you to them for keeping our services running smoothly.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Alan Johnson- Fleet Manager I would like to send a special thank you to the family of Owen Kerry, and we are delighted to add ‘Lost Boy’ to our fleet this month. Unfortunately, the naming ceremony for the bike that the family had fundraised for, in commemoration of their son Owen, had been delayed due to COVID-19. I would also like to thank them for allowing us to use the bike to support our services to the NHS prior to its naming commemoration.

Thank you also to the fleet assistants for ensuring that all vehicles remained on the road and that checks services and repairs were all carried out effectively.

Tiger Taylor- Fund Raising Officer It’s great to see our winners coming through from the Northumberland Lottery.

Our aim is to sell 100 tickets for NBB and we are currently up to 76 tickets sold. If you have not yet joined it’s a simple sign up so, please head to: https://www.northumberlandlottery.co.uk/support/northumbria-blood-bikes I would like to thank the INEOS Community Fund for their amazing donation of £6000. At a time when we cannot fund raise as normal, this was amazing to receive. My thanks to Steve Brown (former NBB rider) for nominating us to his employers INEOS, and David Rey (INEOS Group Finance Manager) for facilitating the donation and Chris Tolley-NBB rider for his assistance also. Thank you, INEOS Community Fund, this will help us keep our fleet on the road supporting the NHS and The Great North East Air ambulance.

Our collection boxes are still bringing in funds to support us and again it is a simple way to fundraise. If you are aware of anyone who would like to host one, please get in touch. Thank you to NBB members Lorna and Rob who have arrange to pick boxes up and return them to us over this month.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689