News - Our Covid-19 crisis fund is now supporting Blood Bike Scotland...
The Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on our NHS and the services that support the smooth running of the whole organisation. Through Community Windpower’s joint Covid-19 crisis fund with BeGreen Dunbar we’ve helped various NHS bodies including Belhaven Community Hospital and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. So, when Blood Bikes Scotland approached Community Windpower and BeGreen Dunbar for support, due to a significant increase in demand for its services from the NHS in recent months, a grant of £3,500 was quickly processed. Blood Bikes Scotland is self-funded, and its income is generated by fundraising and grants, with the former suspended up due to Covid-19. The charity operates a fleet of 12 bikes on one car, supporting four NHS authorities – Lothians, Borders, Forth Valley and Fife. It’s service to the NHS is completely free and saves the NHS from costs on taxis and couriers, as Blood Bikes Scotland carries blood and urine samples, equipment and various documents, all vital to the running of NHS authorities. John Baxter, chairman of Blood Bikes Scotland, said: “As a result of Covid-19 the demand for our service by the NHS has increased by almost 70% from March to April. “Our fundraising activities have been suspended but we need income more than ever now to cover the additional service for the NHS, which is why we applied to the Covid-19 crisis fund run by Community Windpower and BeGreen Dunbar. “We were delighted to have the application processed so quickly as it enabled us to direct the funds swiftly into ensuring we could continue support the NHS authorities. “Pre Covid-19 our costs were £3,500 per month to operate our fleet of 12 bikes and one car, but with extra runs we require to spend more on maintaining the bikes, tyres and servicing. “We’re really grateful for the support from Community Windpower and BeGreen Dunbar, to help keep our bikes and car on the road to service the NHS.” Diane Wood, community benefits director at Community Windpower, which operates the Aikengall Community Wind Farms in East Lothian, said: “Blood Bikes Scotland provide a vital support service to the NHS in Scotland, which is why we didn’t hesitate in approving the application when it came in. “It’s at times like these we all need to come together and help each other, which is what Community Windpower’s joint Covid-19 crisis fund with BeGreen Dunbar aims to do. “We know our funding will help make a difference to Blood Bikes Scotland, the NHS authorities it works for and patients cared for by our NHS.” |