THE fundraising efforts of a local charity have enabled the Aberystwyth branch of Blood Bikes to buy a new motorcycle.

The Friends of Bronglais Hospital donated a massive £12,500 to Aberystwyth’s Blood Bikes Wales branch which has enabled them to purchase a new motorcycle.

Mathew Leeman, area representative and trustee of the Blood Bikes Wales charity, said: “The purchase of this motorcycle ensures that we can continue to support the NHS, by offering them a free of charge motorcycle courier/delivery service.

“Blood Bikes Wales (Aberystwyth) has seen a massive increase in the demand for our service throughout the pandemic and we continue to support the NHS throughout Wales. Our workload has actually increased by over 300 per cent - since the onset of the pandemic.

“Our group has been especially busy recently, offering extended hours of cover and working in partnership with both the Leri day unit and Meurig wards at Bronglais Hospital, transporting chemo-based medication and controlled drugs from the pharmacy at Bronglais Hospital, direct to patients’ homes, across Mid and West Wales.

“We are all volunteers, willingly giving up our time to help the NHS, but all that do, would be impossible, without the support and generosity of the public , their donations are what enables us to continue supporting our “amazing” NHS.”

The Aberystwyth crew cover a large swathe of Mid and West Wales from Llanbrynmair in the north to Rhayader in the east and Cardigan in the south.

Anyone wishing to donate to Blood Bikes Wales is asked to visit www.bloodbikes.wales for more information.