Why I volunteer…
“As a keen biker, I’ve known about NBB since the charity launched. Having received excellent care from the NHS for a variety of issues, I had always resolved to join the blood bikes at the earliest opportunity but had to gain extra training first. I then had an incident with my own bike in early 2016 and whilst broken down at the side of a very fast moving part of the A19, I was relieved to see the approach of a blue lighted bike that was stopping to provide a visual alert to oncoming traffic and protect me. This turned out to be NBB rider Mark Richardson. I was so grateful for his assistance which may have prevented an accident occurring, that I joined NBB later that day.
I started off as a controller whilst completing the required advanced rider training. Then after a year of being a rider I took further training to qualify as a driver. As well as carrying out those roles, I am the Fundraising and Events Officer, and ensure our attendance at events around the region.
I love being able to choose when I do a shift, and having a wide variety of shift types and vehicle based, which makes it very easy to identify where you have spare time and can pitch in to help.
The camaraderie between the volunteers, the way that everyone works as a team and goes the extra mile, and being able to enjoy good company whilst on shift. 
My most memorable moment whilst volunteering for NBB was being told by a consultant upon delivering blood and plasma in the middle of the night, that we had almost certainly saved a life with that delivery.
Volunteering gives me an incredible sense of wellbeing; it is my way of ‘paying back’ the NHS for everything they have done for me, and those I love.
My name is Tiger Taylor and that’s why I volunteer for Northumbria Blood Bikes.”
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