Devon County FA are pleased to announce that South West Blood Bikes have been selected as our Charity of the Season for 2023-24.

South West Blood Bikes is a charity providing a free volunteer out of hours emergency courier service to the NHS. Using their fleet of motorcycles and cars they deliver items like blood, microbiology samples, donor breast milk and test kits to facilities across Devon. As a member of the National Association of Blood Bikes, they also form part of the "Coast to Coast" Blood Bike relay. This means they can liaise with other NABB members to move life saving medical supplies across the country quickly whenever and wherever it's needed.

Mark Bentley, Chairperson of South West Blood Bikes said: We are delighted that the charity will receive the support of the Devon FA.  It is only with the support of the community that we serve that we can continue to provide our free Blood Bike service, providing an emergency out of hours courier service to the NHS and Hospices throughout the county, helping to save lives, improve patient outcomes, whilst at the same time saving the local NHS trusts well over £250,000 each year – money which can instead be spent on patient care".

Recently all the staff at Devon FA had the opportunity to meet Mark, who arrived on a new bike which he was on his way to deliver to the North Devon area.

South West Blood Bikes is always looking for new volunteers to join the team.  There are roles in administration and fundraising as well as the need for new riders, drivers and call handlers to join the ever expanding teams across Devon.

Chris French, CEO of Devon County FA said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with South West Blood Bikes to raise awareness of the amazing work that is carried out throughout our county.  This seems to be such an unknown service they provide but one that we would all be very grateful of, should one of our family or friends require their assistance".