Blood Bikes Wales (a charity that will soon be providing a free out-of-hours motorbike courier service to the NHS in Wales) is now in its 23rd month since the first Blood Bikes Wales meeting.

Blood bikes have been established in England for more than 40 years. It all began on April 1, 1969, in Stevenage, when Des Gibbons established a youth community action group named Freewheelers to encourage young bikers to use their riding skills to provide a fast and reliable transport service to local hospitals.

During the past 23 months, Blood Bikes Wales has grown from nine members to over 100 members who all come from different walks of life. They all have one thing in common - a desire to help people.

During these past months, these people have stood outside supermarkets throughout South Wales collecting donations from the public in all types of weather. Even braving the Welsh summer elements to make this charity a success!

Out of the public donations and sponsorships from local businesses, Blood Bikes Wales have purchased six motorbikes and one 4x4 which will act as a support vehicle during the winter months when it will be too dangerous for the motorbikes to be out on the icy/snowy roads.

They have nearly 40 riders who have passed their advanced riding assessments; in house assessments; psychometric tests and have received further GMP training set by the hospitals.

A pilot service has taken place and the charity is now waiting for the green light so they can start riding to save lives. More trials have taken place to enable Blood Bikes Wales to transport frozen breast milk to sick babies in neonatal units.

Without donations from the public and sponsorship from businesses, Blood Bikes Wales wouldn't be where they are today. However, they need more money! Once the service is operational throughout South Wales, the charity will need approximately £90,000 each year to keep the service active.

Donations are accepted online by going to http://www.bloodbikeswales.org.uk">www.bloodbikeswales.org.uk and press the 'donate online' button or donate via text to 70070 and text 'ride 07' and the amount you want to donate.

The members are raising money by selling sweatshirts, hoodies and mugs on ebay.co.uk