Following a fabulous first festival appearance last year, the team from Blood Bikes Wales will once again ride into this year’s Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival (May 25-26th), giving festival goers a chance to learn more about the vital role this fantastic charity plays in relieving pressure on our massively overstretched National Health Service.
Blood Bikes Wales volunteers provide a completely free courier service for the NHS in Wales, relying solely on volunteers and public donations; working around the clock to deliver among other things, essential blood supplies and samples, plasma, donor milk for specialist baby units and medication between the various hospitals.
Blood Bikes will be based at the Old Hall Gardens site which will be buzzing with lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy and also see the launch of the Vale Food Trail; celebrating sustainability with a host of fun children’s activities.
As well as one of the team’s own bikes on display, the latest addition to the Blood Bikes family will also be on site – ‘Betsie’ the bike is a super cute children’s version, perfect for family fun and photos!
Charity volunteers will be on hand to chat to visitors and raise awareness about the hugely important work being done to support the NHS.
The charity estimates that with every pound donated to Blood Bikes Wales, the NHS actually saves £5, which can be invested into frontline care.
Speaking about their return to the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival, Blood Bikes Wales trustee Mark Snatchfold said:
“We’re an enthusiastic group of people based all over Wales and keen to make a difference. Most of us are riders but we rely just as much on our non-rider volunteers and for support and fundraising with so many roles to be fulfilled.
“It’s great to be part of the festival again this year and have this platform to speak to new people about what we do – it’s surprising how many aren’t aware of the charity and especially that it is entirely volunteer based. It’s so important for us get our message out there and if anyone wants to join us, we can never have too many members!”
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival manager Tracy James-Lieberman said she was delighted to welcome back the Blood Bikes team.
“I have to be honest that until last year I wasn’t very aware of the tireless work these guys are doing myself and it was just so great to have the team on site and learn so much more first hand.
“We can’t wait to welcome them to the festival again and, of course to meet Betsie the Bike!”
