Our Volunteers

I started volunteering with SERV in January 2017 after seeing them at shows and finding out what they did, I initially started out being on call which means I get to use my bike on quiet roads with the option of using the car when the weather is a bit more inclement.
Being on call can be fun especially in the summer months when a middle of the night phone call has you travelling along the empty roads with the sun coming up not so much in the winter. Since joining I also complete runs for MAGPAS and EAAA. I am now a controller and a Fundraising Manager all of which means I get to hopefully make a difference to someone else.
I have also met with a great group of people who even at silly o'clock in freezing rain still great you with a cheery smile and a laugh to brighten your day, and it definitely beats sitting at home twiddling my thumbs.

I started to ride motorcycles in 2007 and have loved riding ever since. My wife Helen and I have toured extensively in Europe and the USA since then - we love being bikers and seeing the world on two wheels. A few years ago, I learned about Blood Bikers at a city centre event in Peterborough. It struck me then as a great way to use the skills I have as a motorcyclist to give something back for the pleasure my hobby has given me. I'm proud to now be a Blood Biker, and I've recently completed my 50th delivery.
We are all aware that motorcyclists are vulnerable when on the road. An accident may leave us relying on the skills of a team of specialists to save our lives. Being a blood biker makes me a part of that team - I love the sense of having done someone some good after I've made a delivery.
To be part of a team that helps save someone's life relies on the larger SERVSC team that raises funds and operates our Blood Bike group.
Two examples sum up what being a blood biker means to me. First. I made a delivery to one of our hospitals in the early hours of the morning. I arrived with the blood 3 minutes before the time it had been requested for and I was met by a member of staff who explained that the blood was going to be used immediately for a heart transplant. The second example was outside a supermarket where we were fundraising, a member of the public pushed a large amount of money into the collection pot and explained that we had helped to save his mother’s life.

I am a teacher in Woodbridge and have been a Triumph fan since buying my first Tiger Cub in 1974. I currently have three Triumphs in my garage, unfortunately only one works!
I became a member of SERV in February after meeting a group of SERV volunteers raising funds and awareness whilst I was out Christmas shopping in Ipswich. They all seemed like very nice people doing something worthwhile and I decided to join so that I could combine my love of motorcycling with a charitable activity.
I’m normally on duty four or five times each month and get called out on about 60-70% of those duties. It is very gratifying to receive the thanks of the staff in the haematology departments when you are making a delivery and to know that you are only being called out because there is someone in need of the blood or blood product that you have just delivered.
Furthermore, it is really a pleasure meeting all the other SERV members, who are, as I suspected when I met them in Ipswich, a very fine bunch.

I joined SERVSC in September 2016 after meeting the team at a fundraising event. Spurred on to be part of a team giving something back to the community whilst riding my motorbike, I completed my IAM Advanced Rider qualification before joining.
Having now completed more than 300 deliveries, of not just blood and blood products, but also human milk and delivering the re-supply to MAGPAS and EAAA air ambulances, and now, for hospices and oncology medicines to vulnerable patients; I 'love' helping deliver something so vital whilst helping the NHS save much needed money.
The only reward needed - the smile on the face of the receiving hospital's staff or patient.

I became a SERVSC volunteer towards the end of 2019. My husband works for the emergency services and I was keen to get involved some way myself. I am now also a Trustee responsible for the charity's Health and Safety policies which means I can use the skills I have doing my day job.
I have been giving blood since I was a student so it's nice to know I’m helping to transport something that I’m also donating.
I feel rather proud when I’m out and about in my hi-vis jacket!

I started volunteering with SERVSC to try and give something back to society. I get a good feeling knowing that I’m helping others. Making a small difference to someone’s life who needs help.
I've been with SERVSC since 2016. I started out mainly at night on my bike, collecting and delivering whatever needed to be taken to wherever it needed to go but due to work commitments I now most do duty controller which is very interesting. I've got to see all the organisation it takes behind the scenes, which no one ever sees, to maintain the service we pride ourselves on delivering.
I've also made some good new friends along the way so I’ve gained at the same time as giving.

I started volunteering for SERVSC in 2016. I have ridden motorcycles all my life so it was a natural thing to bring the two together. To start with I was a responder, but I am now also a controller as I wanted to do more.
It's fair to say that my family has received its fair share of service and support from the NHS over the years, so it's hugely rewarding to be able to give something back, not only saving the NHS money, but helping someone in need. One of my fondest memories was my first time taking donated breast milk to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Ipswich. It was an emotional affair as my eldest daughter spent the first 8 weeks of her life in there and when I walked in to deliver the products I bumped straight into one of the nurses who looked after her 20 plus years ago.
The other aspect of SERVSC work I enjoy is fundraising. Getting to talk to people about what we do and seeing the joy on the faces of children climbing on the bikes as well as the social aspect of meeting other volunteers.

I started riding when I was 16 years old (I was on the back of my dad's bike as soon as I could touch the pegs).
A few years ago I went to a motorcycle event in Birmingham and saw the blood bikes so I asked what they do and how I could sign up - I went home work with a handful of leaflets and signed up. I wanted to sign up for a number of reasons, but the main reason was I wanted to say thank you to the NHS for all they did for my family when my Nan was in hospital.
When I get a call from the controller in charge and I finish the task in hand I always wonder who needed our service. It's fantastic when you do a fundraiser and people come and tell us their stories and how grateful they are for what we have done for them. I feel honoured and privileged to help provide this service to those who need it and I plan to carry on helping those in need for a very long time.