The local Freewheelers, or ‘blood bikes’ as they are sometimes known, had a very successful collection at Radco and were delighted with the result, raising £619 on the day. Our partnership with Radstock Co-operative as their nominated charity of the year began in July, and since then, we have received just over £1,900 in total. These are vital funds for Freewheelers to continue its support of the NHS and Air Ambulance services.Considering that it costs the charity £500 a month to support the ambulance
services that cover our area, Freewheelers can guarantee that every penny will be spent on keeping our bikes on the road. It has been twelve months since the launch of our key role, delivering lifesaving blood products from Southmead Hospital in
Bristol to both Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Great Western Air Ambulance
charity bases every night throughout the year, so that their critical care teams can deliver pre-hospital blood transfusions at the scene.
It was estimated that two or three patients a month would require a blood
transfusion, with unused blood returned to Southmead the next day, preventing waste. In reality, across the two Air Ambulance charities, they have used the blood over sixty times during the past twelve months, over one a week on average, with an amazing 82% survival rate of the individual on delivery to a hospital.
Everyone involved in this service, whether they are one of the three charities, Southmead teams, or our supporters who help fund the additional £10k+ it costs Freewheelers to run the 100-mile round trip every night, everyone should feel immensely proud of what they are helping us achieve by donating. It’s certainly a challenge, but with the continued support of Radstock Co-operative our lifesaving service can continue.
Freewheelers will be rolling back into Radstock Co-operative on Saturday, 17th December and we look forward to seeing you then.
Chris Kearns