An outstanding fundraising response from the Province has raised more than £55,000 for Blood Bikes – more than double the original target – enabling two new motorcycles to be provided to the charity.
The appeal was launched in mid-October last year following a personal experience which highlighted the vital role played by Blood Bikes.
A member of the family of a neighbour of Provincial Grand Master Peter J. Hyde had been involved in a very serious accident and was in urgent need of blood. With London traffic and the resulting potential delays to essential medical deliveries, every minute was critical.
Fortunately, a local Blood Bikes charity depot was situated nearby, enabling volunteer riders to respond quickly and ensure that the blood reached its destination without delay. The intervention contributed to saving a life and brought home the vital importance of the Blood Bikes service.
Blood Bikes are operated entirely by volunteers, transporting blood, urgent medical samples, medicines and other essential medical supplies to hospitals throughout the UK. Their work also includes the transportation of donated breast milk and the daily replenishment of Air Ambulances. Importantly, the service is provided entirely free of charge to the NHS.
The original objective of the Province’s appeal was to raise £25,000. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Brethren, that target has been exceeded by almost £30,000, with the total raised now standing at more than £55,000.
To date, 245 members have contributed, with individual donations exceeding £250, while Lodges throughout the Province have also given generously.
The funds raised will enable two Blood Bikes to be provided to the charity. The motorcycles will become an important part of the Blood Bikes operation, allowing volunteer riders to transport vital blood products, medical supplies and urgent samples swiftly and efficiently to hospitals and other medical services.
The Province is particularly grateful to the 22 Lodges which have attained Grand Patron Lodge status through their support for this very worthwhile cause:
- Temple Ram Lodge No. 0173
- Hammersmith No. 0211
- High Cross No. 0284
- Hampton Court No. 0448
- Star Lodge No. 0494
- Oxford and Cambridge No. 0594
- Staines No. 0858
- Christopher Wren No. 0861
- Tower Hamlet No. 0892
- St Giles No. 1017
- Northwold No. 1190
- Hillingdon No. 1196
- Air Unity No. 1205
- Middlesex Installed Mark Masters Masons No. 1218
- Middlesex Installed Commanders No. 1218
- George Parker No. 1316
- Alexander Burnett Brown No. 1373
- Temple of Uxbridge No. 1393
- Prince Michael of Kent No. 1720
- University No. 1911
- New Morning No. 1921
- Middlesex Armed Forces No. 1999
Provincial Grand Master Peter J. Hyde expresses his sincere thanks to everyone who had supported the appeal, whether through individual donations or contributions made through their Lodges.
The success of the appeal represents much more than simply reaching a fundraising target. The generosity of the Brethren has been transformed into a tangible and lasting contribution to the Blood Bikes service, providing two motorcycles that will help volunteers continue their vital work delivering essential medical supplies.
It is an achievement of which the Province can be justly proud.
Additional information and how to donate can be found at:- middlesexmark.org/blood-bikes