RIDERS from Blood Bikes Wales are now delivering samples of blood to the likes of University Hospital Llandough.

The volunteer riders have been delivering samples to pathology laboratory's in Llandough, University Hospital Wales, the Royal Glamorgan in Llantrisant and the Prince Charles in Merthyr Tydfil over weekend shifts

BB/W currently provide transport services to four NHS Trusts; the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, the Cwm Taf Health Board, the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and the Pathology Departments in Cardiff and the Vale.

All contracts are fulfilled by volunteer co-ordinators and riders.

They complete various shifts starting at 7pm on a Friday evening through to midnight on a Sunday as well as covering Bank Holidays.

Using specially purchased containers, the riders transport sealed test samples, platelets, notes, patient records, etc. saving the Health Boards considerable amounts of money that would otherwise have been spent on taxis.

As well as the weekend work BB/W also provide a “Mid-Week” service where they deliver frozen breast milk to Neonatal Baby Units across South Wales. This is normally in conjunction with another group of Blood Biker’s in the Midlands who collect the milk from the National Women’s Hospital at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Delivery could be to the Royal Gwent in the East to as far West as Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. This could mean a round trip of well over 250 miles for the Welsh volunteer riders.

All riders are assessed every 12 months to ensure each maintains the level of safety required to fulfil their Health Board contracts and all are trained to an “Advanced Level” qualification undertaking either RoSPA or IAM tests or straight “A’s” in the DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme. This fact ensures that all riders take pride in their standard of riding ensuring that their own and the public’s safety is their top priority.

Blood Bikes Wales has grown considerably but is always looking to increase membership.

A spokesman said: "We need riders but also need people who can act as fundraisers or co-ordinators. You may see us collecting at supermarkets across South Wales and without these funds we could not continue our work. We are also looking for company sponsorship so please show this article to your company and get in touch with us.

"More information can be found on our website www.bloodbikeswales.org.uk or you can email membership@bloodbikeswales.org.uk or pr@bloodbikeswales.org.uk."