Harley Davidson bikers are getting revved up for a cruise around the county in aid of a vital but often “unnoticed” medical service.
Up to 30 riders are expected to join the event, visiting seven hospitals that rely on volunteers from the SERV (service by emergency response volunteers) Kent Bloodrunners charity.
They carry critical supplies of blood as well as samples and equipment to the county’s medical centres – sometimes on life or death missions.
In addition, the volunteer riders and drivers provide and maintain the blood supply for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulances, enabling its medics to carry life-saving blood on board.
SERV Kent, established in the county in 1993, struggles for public recognition as it often operates out of the limelight.
But since its foundation, its volunteers, many of who are motorcyclists, have travelled almost 3.4 million miles on 60,500 journeys carrying medical supplies, all at no cost to the NHS.
Among them is Paul Brooks, 61, from Godmersham, near Ashford, who rides one of the charity’s fleet of bikes, covering up to 800 miles a month.
“There’s a real sense of satisfaction when you’re on an urgent delivery that could save someone’s life,” he said.
Now the Invicta Harley Davidson Chapter, which supports numerous charities, wants to help raise funds for SERV Kent through a sponsored ride.
The fundraiser has been organised by group member Simon Williams who is landlord of the Queen’s Head in Wigmore, near Gillingham.
He says the chapter raises up to £3,000 a year for various charities but SERV Kent is especially close to their hearts.
“It does such amazing work often under the radar which goes unnoticed by the public but is absolutely vital,” he said.
“Many of them don’t even claim the mileage they are entitled to.
“Some of our members are volunteers with the charity and will be joining the ride which we also hope will highlight SERV Kent value to the community.”
The bikers will set off from Rochester Airport at 10.30am on Saturday, August 30, on a 140 mile route travelling to Medway Maritime Hospital, Darent Valley Hospital, Pembury Hospital, Maidstone Hospital, the William Harvey Hospital, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, and the QEQM Hospital in Margate where the ride will end at the Rendezvous in the town.
