BMW 5 “One Step Further”

When the charity was formed back in 2011 as Cornwall Freewheelers, the Duchy’s Volunteer Blood Bike service was born and over the years the charity has taken baby steps to quietly and conscientiously provide a professional service.

Our original BMW 5 that had been with us since 2017 had served the people of Cornwall well and was no longer financially viable to repair so a replacement was sought. 

Purchased on the 1^st November 2022 from a very special legacy – from the late Christine Thompson.

Cornwall Blood Bike got invited to attend a small stroke group that Christine had founded in 2017 and a request came in for a talk but Christine was very worried as they were only a very small number and did we as a charity have a minimum number we would talk to and the good news was our very own Brendan Hale went along and he will chat to anyone!

Brendan was warmly welcomed by his host Christine and other members of the group who listened with interest about our Blood Bike charity, what we do and how we do it.

The group had been founded by Christine who had suffered a stroke herself and she wanted to reach out to other individuals who had also been affected by stroke. 

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is, and why we see so much publicity to act F.A.S.T when we see the signs or symptoms of a stroke as seconds truly count. 

Stroke can be life-changing. It can happen to anyone of any age and affects everyone in different ways. Christine used this group to have engaging talks from speakers, carry out craft work, have social occasions all to enhance quality of life. 

Brendan made many visits back to  Christine and the group where he would accept cheques for small amounts raised from selling craft items and raffles.

The group sadly over the years became smaller with the sad passing of members. 

It was in the summer of 2022 where the charity were informed of Christine’s sad passing, and astounded that she had left a legacy to as she had put it “her friends at CBB” 

To be considered in this manner was extremely humbling for all the volunteers, and we always ensure that every penny is put to good use so a purchase of a second hand BMW RTP was made and became operational with us in February 2023. 

At the start of February 2025 BMW 5 had covered 90,259 miles.

It had to bear the name “One Step Further” – the name of Christines stroke group that she had founded and a constant reminder to us all that when we face difficulties, we can only do our best and take one step further.