Volunteer Blood Bikers clock-up 25,000 miles during virus outbreak … the equivalent of travelling around the globe.
Volunteers with Dumfries and Galloway Blood Bikes have gone around the world in 31 days in response to the coronavirus crisis.
The charity’s riders transport lifesaving medical supplies and samples between NHS sites in the region and beyond.
And in the last month the bikers have covered 25,000 miles – the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe.
Chairman Dave Hook said: “We have a team of around 100 volunteers who have been brilliant.
“In March we responded to 160 calls and that equated to about 25,000 miles. To put this into context that’s the same as riding around the world. It’s a brilliant effort.
“Our volunteers are running samples and medical equipment back and forth.”
Dave, 52, added: “Our dedicated riders, drivers and controllers have really stepped up to the challenge.
“We always have a controller and a minimum of three riders or drivers on call at the moment covering 24/7.
“Up until the start of the crisis DGBB was one of only three or four Blood Bike groups UK-wide to provide a 24/7, 365 days a year service.
“Many other groups, all run by unpaid volunteers, have now changed up to 24/7 to assist.”
The region’s group has come a long way since their first month in operation in June 2015 when they completed 16 runs for the NHS.
In February this year they completed 136, covering 22,000 miles, and last month things got even busier as the pandemic erupted.
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Source: Dumfries & Galloway Standard