Volkswagen Tiguan, Used to Save Lives

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) handles the movement of blood and other vital medical fluids, test results and equipment, but this only happens during “office hours”. The “evenings & weekends” period is usually covered by a band of volunteers that uses the “Blood Bikes” name.

"The Blood Bikes movement was ‘founded’ in 1969 when a youth community action group named Freewheelers began encouraging young bikers to use their riding skills to provide an efficient and reliable transport service to local hospitals. This initial group served hospitals in the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire areas, carrying blood, drugs, plasma, diagnostic specimens and even human spare parts on occasions."

As its name suggests, this relies on bikes to deliver the aforementioned items. However, there are locations for which these vehicles are not suitable. Fortunately, the charity has recently acquired a Volkswagen Tiguan 4x4, which will allow it to access all areas, regardless of the weather conditions.

Blood Bikes now plans to purchase a second Tiguan. A team, led by Mike Burns, is doing a 1,200 mile cycle ride, covering the entire length of the UK, connecting all 24 NHS Blood Centres to raise money for the new acquisition.

“We’ve been really impressed with the Tiguan which helps us extend our service to more remote areas and in all weathers and for that reason we’re really keen to acquire a second.  We’re grateful to Volkswagen and Heritage Automotive for their ongoing support and hope it will enable us to continue our life-saving work in the future,” said Mike Burns of Blood Bikes.