Fuel costs surge hits West Midlands Blood Bikes volunteers
Service says it won’t cut back despite £400 weekly rise in fuel bills
A life-saving volunteer service in the West Midlands says rising fuel costs are putting real pressure on its work — but insists it will keep going no matter what.
Midlands Freewheelers Blood Bikes, which supports NHS services across the region, says its fuel bill has increased by between £300 and £400 a week in recent months. Riders are also paying around £9 more every time they fill up their bikes.
The charity runs a fleet of 12 motorbikes and three cars, with multiple vehicles out on the road every day delivering vital supplies between hospitals and to patients’ homes.
Fleet manager and volunteer Jess Gough says the impact is being felt across the service.
“We run four bikes every day, sometimes with a car as well, so it is affecting us quite a lot,” he said.
Despite the rising costs, the group says cutting back is not an option.
“We’ve got to continue the service, whatever happens really. It’s a vital service — everything we do is helping someone.”
The volunteers transport a wide range of medical items, including blood, stem cells, platelets and chemotherapy drugs. They also deliver breast milk for premature babies and regularly supply blood to the air ambulance for emergencies.
Much of their work supports children’s hospitals, with an increase in recent deliveries of medication directly to families.
Mr Gough, who has been volunteering with the service for 12 years, said fundraising and public donations are now more important than ever.
“We try to get more fundraising in — we do collections at supermarkets and rely on donations from the public. We just hope that continues so we can keep the service going.”
He added that many people are still unaware the service is run entirely by volunteers.
“Even some of the nurses think we work for the NHS — they don’t realise it’s voluntary,” he said.
With around 120 volunteers involved locally — and similar services operating across the UK — he says awareness and support from the public can make a real difference.
“If people can donate, even a little, it really helps — because it is a vital service.”