A 'BLOOD bike' charity will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an evening of music and fun in Wells in May. 

The Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service (EVS) provides a free out-of-hours motorcycle courier service to hospitals in the south west. 

Its volunteers transport blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patient notes, X-rays, breast milk and other medical supplies.

They also make nightly deliveries to two air ambulance bases. 

In 2020/21, Freewheelers EVS made 7,792 deliveries and rode more than 225,000 miles in total to support local health services. 

Somerset County Gazette: The Bristol Concert Wind Band will play at the Freewheelers' 30th anniversary in May.The Bristol Concert Wind Band will play at the Freewheelers' 30th anniversary in May.

The event will be held at The Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells and feature live music from the Bristol Concert Wind Band, which plays a range of styles ranging from military band music to jazz, and five-piece rock and blues band Drifftwood. 

People are encouraged to bring a picnic to the event, which will be compered by BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell. 

Alex became a Freewheelers patron last year and has since tried her hand at resupplying an air ambulance, joined fundraising ride outs, and attended a medal ceremony to reward the volunteers' hard work. 

The money raised by the event will be used to support Freewheelers EVS. 

Somerset County Gazette: High-energy rock and blues band Drifftwood will entertain the charity's supporters at The Bishop's Palace in Wells.High-energy rock and blues band Drifftwood will entertain the charity's supporters at The Bishop's Palace in Wells.

A spokesperson said: "Freewheelers EVS is run entirely by volunteers and provides a free out-of-hours courier service for the NHS.

"It is funded entirely by public donations and sponsorship.

"Freewheelers EVS operate a fleet of motorcycles, each equipped with high-visibility markings for road presence.

"All the riders hold an advanced motorcycle qualification.

"In addition to the team of riders, there are teams of fundraisers and telephone controllers.

"Come and enjoy a fun and entertaining evening whilst helping to celebrate 30 years of this vital service."

Tickets for the event cost £15 and can be purchased online at www.bishopspalace.org.uk.  

For more information about the work of Freewheelers EVS, visit www.freewheelers.org.uk


Read more: RIDING FOR LIFE: Somerset's Freewheelers delivering emergency blood supplies through the night 

Read more: Volunteer bikers' life saving efforts recognised with prestigious medal