Why I volunteer by Steve Tullock

Kirsty Lawrence's picture

Why I volunteer...

“I first found out about the Northumbria Blood Bikes at one of the D A M (Durham Advanced Motorcyclists) meetings. A few D A M members are also NBB riders, chatting to them sparked me off to contact NBB and join. I joined late October 2015 but did not get up and running till mid December... waiting for assessments, insurance to be sorted etc. My first shift was the night of Jan 1st 2016, in at the deep end, busy and me green as grass... I soon picked it up though and have completed 18 shifts 60/70 odd jobs and covered over 2,000 miles (I'm nerdy about keeping records).

I joined because it seemed like a good thing to do, give time to do a bit of community service, plus you get to ride bikes, Sometimes in -4° wet windy winters night, or blowing a gale, or thick fog so you can't see in front of you; but knowing you do a good job and may be helping someone who could be in a bad way.

I fit it in to my lifestyle as I work from home and I am quite flexible and can commit time without too much trouble, blood bikes fit quite well into my lifestyle. Luckily I don't need a lot of sleep, retiring fully next year, so should then be able to put a bit more time in.

I’ve not really had a memorable moment yet, but what was really satisfying was when an old guy with 2 walking sticks was hobbling out of North Tyneside General Hospital about 1am. He said "hey you" in a loud voice, I thought what have I done "he said you’re doing a bl**dy good job!”  I said thanks. He walked off then shouted back loudly “I mean it your doing a bl**dy good job!” and off he went. Ambulance drivers and nurses often thank us and say how much they appreciate us, which is nice, also members of the public often just say well done. I think that makes you feel you're doing a good job and worth the time you give up volunteering for the blood bikes.

I would say to someone thinking of joining... “Go for it!” and commit fully. Its worthwhile putting in the effort and you would be part of a very professional organisation run by some great, enthusiastic and dedicated people who give up their time to make the whole operation run as smoothly as possible.

My name is Steve Tullock and that’s why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”

Feeling inspired? Why don’t you sign up today to join our team of volunteers: http://northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk/support/volunteer

#VolunteersWeek #MakeADifference

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