Why I volunteer...

“I heard about Northumbria Blood Bikes via their website. I had previously been looking into assisting another group (SERV OBN) before taking up a new job in Northumberland. I saw it as an opportunity to do something to help in the community, while indulging my passion for riding motorbikes!

I’m a rider at the moment, although I have also completed coordinator training in the past.  I also assist with fundraising where I can (and where I’m not needed for an operational shift).

My day job is with the Royal Air Force, so “sporadically” might best describe my contribution!  I may go for several weeks without being able to put in a shift, and then do several days back-to-back.  Since January I have been out in the USA, but I should be coming back to the UK in June.

The best thing I’ve experienced since joining is meeting other volunteers, especially those who fundraise and those who put so much of their heart and soul into committee roles. However, my most memorable moment was delivering an urgent product to a consultant who was stood in A&E waiting to take it to theatre. Just knowing that I have in some small way I made a difference.

If you’re thinking of joining and volunteering your time...Get involved!  You’ll meet great people and find it’s very rewarding.  If you’re a biker, you’ll find that even the cold and wet nights feel worth it; and filtering though the sunny bank holiday traffic with an urgent sample can be just as rewarding as knowing you’ve got the right line through the “twistys”.  

My name is Andy Webb and that is why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”

Are you a rider? For more information on how to become a volunteer for us please take a look at: http://northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/volunteer/riders

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