Having remained operational to ensure emergency equipment can continue to be provided through the current pandemic, Woodway, a proud supplier of emergency lighting and equipment to frontline responders nationwide, has been blown away by the stories of how organisations are adapting in these unprecedented times and by the commitment of workers and volunteers up and down the country who are working harder than ever to provide a positive impact in their communities.

One organisation that has been working tirelessly to ensure it can continue its work is YFW Blood Bikes, an Emergency Volunteer Service supporting Yeovil District Hospital, Dorset County Hospital, and their communities, in providing emergency courier services across the region – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now covering up to 6500 miles per week across the fleet’s seven motorcycles, YFW Blood Bikes has found demand for its services has increased significantly during this time.

The charity, which relies solely on the generosity of donors and fundraising efforts to allow its volunteers to continue to remain on the road and operational, has seen a significant increase in both workload and the associated running costs, covering up to 6500 miles per week across the fleet’s seven motorcycles – all while being faced with a series of cancelled fundraising events that are critical to the organisation’s survival.

In a bid to ensure its work can continue, YFW has gone digital with its fundraising. The month of May saw an online auction held, with over 20 lots donated by companies and supporters of the charity. An increase in social media presence, and a push for radio and TV appearances, have seen positive results for the organisation’s engagement with supporters.

Roy Marriot, heading up Operations at YFW Blood Bikes, said, “We are so grateful to the public for their continued support and we are proud of our group of volunteers who have gone above and beyond to continue to serve our community during this time, assisting in the UK’s fight against COVID-19.”

Following government guidance is crucial for the volunteers of YFW, as they deliver to vulnerable patients’ homes, care homes and within hospitals too. Wearing PPE and ensuring social distancing remains firmly in place have been top priorities during collections and deliveries.

But their work wouldn’t be possible without their fleet of motorcycles. The RT1200 shown here has been carefully converted to meet the needs of an emergency service courier. To ensure the riders remain safe and seen, the bikes have been kitted out in Woodway’s lighting and sirens, aiding in the safe and timely delivery of vital supplies. Roy commented, “We chose Woodway as our lighting supplier due to the compact size, brightness and ease of fitting. These lights provide maximum impact, whilst the small size perfectly suits our motorcycles.”

Debbie Taylor, Woodway’s Marketing Director, said, “The work of YFW Blood Bikes, and indeed all blood bike charities across the UK, is particularly vital at a time such as this. Emergency services are stretched and medical supplies are in demand – and these volunteers are providing their time and service completely free of charge to the NHS. We are proud to be chosen as their equipment supplier, and we hope that the public will support their new fundraising activities this summer to ensure their important work can continue.”