VOLUNTEERS who provide a vital service to the NHS in South Devon are celebrating their 350th call out.

South West Blood Bikes charity provides a free emergency courier service to all Devon hospitals and NHS sites and in December 2024 began assisting with medicine deliveries.

Since February 2025 they have been helping deliver and courier samples to and from laboratories as well as vital blood deliveries.

South West Blood Bikes have now undertaken more than 350 deliveries with volunteers covering thousands of miles across Torbay and South Devon.

Chairman of the charity, Mark Bentley said: ‘We have four teams and a fleet of 21 bikes and cars here in Devon; we also work with the national association of blood bikes so we are able to move items nationwide in relay.

‘I am delighted that we now provide our free service to hospitals.

‘Our outstanding volunteers are doing a wonderful job by helping to make patients’ lives easier by bringing them things that they need, quickly and to their door, as well as supporting deliveries between community hospitals and healthcare settings.

‘We are always on the lookout for more volunteers so please get in contact if you are able to help in some way.’

Dr Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘These dedicated volunteers help transport not just blood, but also samples, medicines, medical equipment and even donor human breast milk for premature babies.

‘They also deliver medicines to patients at home; this is a huge benefit as this can help people get home quicker and help free up bed space within the hospital.

‘Since December, Blood Bikes have travelled over 3,000 miles locally, about the distance between Torbay Hospital and Cairo in Egypt.

‘We are extremely grateful for the support shown to us by South West Blood Bikes, and their band of volunteers who so generously give up their time in support of the NHS, and by assisting their local community.’

For further details please visit www.swbb.charity.