Friday, June 27, 2014

A brief history of Blood Bikes


Following on from the success of Blood Bikes in the UK the service has moved to Ireland. Prior to 2012 there were no Blood Bike Groups in Ireland but today there are 7 groups operating in Ireland covering a vast area of the country. Blood Bike Leinster are one of these groups.

Blood Bike Leinster are a charity set up and equipped to transport blood, samples and urgent tests for hospitals in the mid Leinster area.
We use motorcycles to transport these items due to their manoeuvrability, versatility and fuel economy. Blood Bike Leinster’s highly visible vehicles are equipped to the highest standards and are excellent at manoeuvring through traffic. Blood Bike Leinster is an entirely volunteer run organisation. 100% of the money donated goes directly into the running costs of the service and as its administration is staffed by volunteers we spend no money on administration, wages or expenses. None of the volunteers receive any expenses or any monetary reward for their time.

We set this charity up to save our health service money so that more resources can be diverted into patient care as currently a substantial amount of money is being spent on transporting these items. It is our aim to cut the expenditure in this area and in the process try to increase the resources available to our local hospitals and in turn the local community.

Blood Bike Leinster are very committed to our service and when others are settling down on a rainy night, we are heading out onto the roads of Leinster to provide our service. Obviously safety is our primary concern so when the weather is not suitable such as high winds or icy roads we do use four wheeled vehicles to ensure the safety of our volunteers and our cargo. Our motorcycles are fitted to the highest emergency service standards with emergency blue lights, reflective decals and of course a professional rider. All of our riders are regularly assessed on their skills and are constantly training and up skilling all at their own expense. 

Blood Bike Leinster are also trained and qualified in GDP (Good distribution practice) which guarantees traceability and quality assurance of all our cargo, this was completed in conjunction with PLS Pharma.
We receive no government grants and are totally dependent on the goodwill of the public on our collection days. We always welcome any kind of donation or sponsorship and donations can be made via our website (PayPal) through the post, at one of our collection days or through our text donation service. Blood Bike Leinster are full members of Nationwide association of Blood Bikes in the UK which have 50 years of experience and are of great assistance due to their wealth of knowledge.

In Ireland nobody comes together more than bikers to raise money for charity. Every week there are Motorcycle clubs having sponsored runs for very worthy causes. Motorcyclists really come together when it comes to being active in society and so many of work for the same goals and Blood Bike Leinster is another part of that.
We enjoy our work immensely and whether its meeting people at our flag days taking photos and chatting with people, delivering milk into a maternity ward or delivering samples for Barretstown we all find it very rewarding and we are extremely proud of what we do.


You can donate to our service also by texting to our text donate service below.




Sunday, June 22, 2014

Kells Road Races 2014 (Crossakiel circut)


A small selection of photos from Kells road races 2014, many thanks to all who donated to our service.



Jana

Road racing Ireland

Carol Nash Girls

Our very own Miss Meath 2014, Aoife McGrane

Road racing Ireland Girls

Road Racing Ireland Girls

Road Racing Ireland Girls and our very own Ger

Road Racing Ireland

The Pride of Leinster Aoibheann and Leah

Road Racing Ireland Girls

Our very own Miss Meath 2014, Aoife McGrane


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Miss Meath, Aoife McGrane and Blood Bike Leinster

Blood Bike Leinster would like to officially welcome on board our new sponsor Aofie McGrane who is currently Miss Meath and Miss Ireland hopeful.
We are delighted that Aoife has chosen us as her charity and we look forward to working closely with her.



Image Paul Dillon Photography



Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Blood Bike Leinster Official Launch

Blood Bike Leinster officially launched on Sunday 8th June 2014 in Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

During our launch we named two of our motorcycles after two beautiful girls who unfortunately lost their battle with childhood cancer. We have became great friends with Aoibheann's Pink Tie who are a fantastic charity who offer practical support to children and their families who are effected by childhood cancer. 

We at Blood Bike Leinster are very lucky to have these two wonderful angels watching over our riders and bikes and are extremely proud that they bare the girls names.

Image, Paul Dillon Photography
On Motorcycles Leah and Aoibheann: Miss Kildare Sarah Kavanagh and Miss Meath Aofie McGrane,
Back Row: John Lally, Gordon Kiely, Aprile Lennon, John Curran, Petr Schitek.
Front Row: Ger Kinsella, Keith Lambe, Fergus Lennon, Noel McLoughlin.





Don't forget you can donate €2 to Blood Bike Leinster simply by texting BLOODBIKE to 50300.

100% of your €2 goes to the Blood Bike Leinster across most networks. Some providers apply Vat where a minimum of €1.63 cent will go to Blood Bike Leinster. Service provided by LikeCharity (01-4433890).

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

At James's Hospital Foundation

St. James's Hospital Foundation processes and disburses donations received by St. James's Hospital and fundraises for the hospital. All privately given funds are used to buy equipment, enhance the amenities and environment of the hospital and provide for staff education and research - all aimed at providing world-class care for the maximum number of patients.
While being resourced by the hospital, the Foundation is established as a separate legal entity to the hospital to ensure the integrity of its operations and in particular its financial operations.


Blood Bike Leinster were delighted to be invited to their recent cake sale recently and are delighted to show our support.