More cash from steel fund provides blue-light bike

January 14th 2014

UK Steel Enterprise has stepped in to ensure that Bloodrun EVS, an expanding charity running a life-saving service to hospitals across Tees Valley, stays on the road.
 
The overnight blue-light Bloodbike service, run by volunteer riders who all hold advance motorcycle qualifications, ensures that vital blood, tissue samples and other medical supplies are delivered to hospitals across the area.   Currently it carries out around 80 trips each month and has 40 volunteer riders.
 
UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business support subsidiary, supported the service in 2011 and has now dipped into its special Community Support Fund for a second time to help fund another motorbike. 
 
“Originally UK Steel Enterprise gave us £2,500 to help put two winter bikes on the road and we are delighted that they have come up with a second £2,500 towards the additional bike we need to meet the growing demand,” said Jon Formstone, co-founder of the charity.
 
“We are now providing the service to additional hospitals in Tees Valley, including the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and also working in partnership with the Northumberland Bloodrun team.  We need to have two teams in operation and run two bikes every night with a back-up bike to allow for very regular maintenance.  
 
“None of our volunteers are paid and every penny we raise goes on operating expenses and ensuring riders have the skills they need. We have to raise funds through all sorts of events and sponsorship and UK Steel Enterprise’s contributions go a long way to helping us keep the Bloodrun service on the road for the people of Tees Valley.
 
 “Everyone at the charity is really grateful and we can’t thank UKSE enough,” he added.
 
Peter Taylor, Area Manager for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “This is an extremely valuable project that serves our local community and we are happy to help Bloodrun EVS again.   Our Community Support Fund was set up to support projects that improve the quality of life for people living in our steel areas and no-one knows when they may find themselves or a member of their family relying on this service.” 
 
For further information about the Bloodrun EVS service or to donate please see www.bloodrun.co.uk. For details of UK Steel Enterprise’s range of support for businesses in steel areas call 01642 777 777 or visit www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk