A VITAL blood transportation charity has set up a permanent home at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Blood Bikes Wales (BBW), made up of volunteer motorcyclists who aid the NHS with out-of-hours blood transportation, decided to establish a second base in North Wales amid increased demand on health services.

Its deliveries include blood, samples, plasma, donated human milk, documents and any other items that fit onto a motorbike and need to be delivered for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The new base includes one Suzuki bike and six riders and is expected to result in significantly improved time and fuel efficiency for the delivery service, which previously had one base in Wrexham.

The team became operational over the Christmas period after a storage container was donated by housing developer Anwyl Homes and delivered free-of-charge by Bob Francis Crane Hire.

Phil Hackney, volunteer from Prestatyn, said: “We are known as the coastal branch of the Wrexham Group, currently running a specially adapted Suzuki Motorcycle ridden by six local advanced riders on a voluntary rotational basis, says Phil, who is himself an active rider.

“We are always on the lookout to expand our team, so if there are any advanced riders out there who would be willing to give some time, become part of a great dedicated group and provide an essential rewarding service then please get in contact via the Blood Bikes Wales website.”

The number of Blood Bikes Wales volunteer riders doubled following the coronavirus outbreak and a rise in demand on NHS services.

Over the summer it carried out a joint operation with other Blook Bike teams in Cheshire, Merseyside and Manchester.

Mark Andrews, general manager for medicine at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Blood Bikes Wales to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, the move has been really positive.

"By being based centrally the team will be able to continue their service effectively and quickly transfer more supplies to help save lives across North Wales.”

For more information and to get involved visit the Blood Bikes Wales website.