Why I volunteer by Shaun Anderson

Kirsty Lawrence's picture

Why I volunteer…

“I first heard about Northumbria Blood Bikes after speaking to a colleague at work (Adam Morris) who is a rider. My wife and son both received emergency blood transfusions due to complications surrounding his birth 8 years ago.  My wife Emma was diagnosed with Pre-Eclampsia at 31 weeks and William was born 9 weeks early in an emergency c-section.  Emma developed a bleed in her abdomen and was given 3 units of blood which saved her life.  Over the course of 6 weeks William was in the Neo-Natal unit, he had 2 bleeds on his lungs and had to have numerous blood and platelet transfusions.  I have always wanted to donate blood but I don’t do needles very well, (I'm a wimp), so it’s great to be able to volunteer and #makeadifference for this great charity and service.

I’m a driver and have done some fundraising as well. It can be quite difficult being a shift worker but always happy to volunteer when I can.  Over the next 2 weeks, I am on holiday from my day job and have 5 shifts booked in. I have only done one shift up to now since becoming an advanced driver at the end of May and it was a great experience.

The service that we provide to the NHS saves a lot of money on taxis/couriers which can be put to better use in other areas. It’s rewarding to think you could be transporting something such as blood which could be the difference in saving someone’s life. Whether you’re joining as a fundraiser, co-coordinator, rider or driver, all of the roles are essential and I keep saying this but make a difference to peoples’ lives.

My name is Shaun Anderson and that is why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”

#VolunteersWeek #MakeADifference #BloodBikes #ThankYou

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