Former Lord Mayor of Leeds donates for new Blood Bike…
Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet
A former Lord Mayor of Leeds has kick-started a campaign to replace a Leeds charity’s Blood Bike after it was severely damaged in a public car park.
Mr Keith Loudon, Lord Mayor of Leeds from 1993-1994, has donated £5000 to Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, a West Yorkshire charity that provide urgent deliveries of blood samples, donated breast milk and vital medical supplies by volunteer motorcyclists.
In recognition of his donation and support, Mr Loudon received a fundraising award from the Yorkshire Blood Bike charity.
Speaking at the presentation Mr Loudon said: “The volunteer riders of Whiteknights provide an out-of-hours delivery service between hospitals and hospices. Many people are not aware of the vital service they provide during the night and at weekends. Their charity is run entirely on donations.
“It is such a shame that their ability to provide the service, which is totally free of charge to the NHS – has been thwarted by an out of control car smashing into their blood bike. I believe it is of considerable importance that this voluntary Blood Bike motorcycle be replaced as a matter of urgency,” said Mr Loudon.
North Yorkshire Regional Manager for Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, Andy Richardson said of the donation: “We’re thrilled to receive the recognition and support for our voluntary service by Mr Loudon. Today we’ve awarded him our highest accolade, to become a Whiteknights’ Champion.”
“Our voluntary service is continuing to operate to support the care of patients in Leeds, but we are finding it a uphill challenge now that we have one less blood bike in our area.”
Members of the public can donate towards replacing the Blood Bike through the Whiteknights’ Just Giving page use the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/whiteknightsyorkshire-bloodbikes
Pictured are Whiteknights Volunteer Riders Andy Richardson and John Driscoll alongside Mr Loudon.