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Barry Fletcher (right) hands over keys to Blood Biker – Peter Preston (left)

The Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes save the NHS around £1 million each year, allowing the NHS to improve patient care and provide crucial services in the Northwest region of England.

They help deliver free emergency transport for blood, donor breast milk, medications, and other vital medical supplies between hospitals, hospices, and blood transfusion units.

Their 100 volunteers are the heart and soul of this operation, they ride the blood bikes, manage logistics, and raise funds. It’s all voluntary and self-funded, making their efforts even more commendable.

Regional Charity Steward, Barry Fletcher

Regional Charity Stewards, Barry Fletcher and Geoff Brown, decided to direct their fundraising efforts towards the Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes to support their essential work in their local area.

Barry reached out to them to see what they needed, and learnt that a new bike costs £18,000. Barry opened a relief chest and quickly started rallying support, with £1,000 already raised from a dance fundraiser. With the help of Liverpool Group Chairman David Johnson, Vice-Chairman Bob Paterson, and other Charity Stewards, word spread quickly.

Donations poured in from various Lodges and Chapters, and in total, £11,250 was raised. Barry also secured a £5,000 donation from the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, with the Blood Bikes Charity covering the remaining cost of the bike. Additional funds of £1,400 were gathered for fuel.

At the Liverpool Group Ball, Chairman Dave Johnson emotionally announced they had raised enough to buy a new bike and cover its maintenance. Soon after, a ceremony was held at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to unveil the new BMW R 1250RS, marked with a special logo thanking the Liverpool Freemasons.

Peter Preston, a dedicated blood biker, shared how essential these bikes are. He explained the bike’s “V3” code, standing for “Vampire,” and detailed its impressive usage stats: 1,643 miles covered and 28 jobs completed in just three weeks. The bike supports crucial tasks like transporting blood samples for Clatterbridge Cancer Care Trust, highlighting the immense impact of their work.

Peter, who has been riding for eight years, expressed his gratitude for the new bike funded by the Liverpool Freemasons. It’s a service he passionately supports, clocking around 10,000 miles annually to help those in need. The Freemasons’ generosity has made a significant difference, ensuring this vital service continues.