CBB Van "Va va voom"

At the end of October 2016 we had the fabulous opportunity to take part in the Aviva Community Challenge.

CBB submitted an application as we needed a small van for a number of reasons. During the winter adverse weather conditions can lead to our having to suspend our motorcycle operation for safety reasons. We believed if we had a van, we would be able to use this when it was not possible to ride safely and therefore keep our service running for longer. We also are called upon to collect and deliver blood to the regional laboratory in Bristol. Again it would be safer on occasion to use four wheels rather than two. We would also be able to carry packages and equipment that are too large for a motorcycle but which still need moving.

The more votes we were able to get, the more chance we would have had of being successful in achieving our aim of obtaining funding to help us buy our van. So we asked the public’s help to share the link with friends, family on social media.

On Saturday 22nd April 2017 Cornwall Blood Bikes took proud ownership of a brand-new Peugeot Partner van with help from the ‘Aviva Community Funding’ to the tune of £5,000.00 and the wonderful donations made to the charity from the general public and organisations that actively support Cornwall charities such as the Freemasons and the Rotary’s.

The vehicle was handed over to the charities Chairman, Toby Best, by Business Manager, Gavin Richards of Hawkins Motors, St Stephens, who oversaw our requirements needed for the CBB and together with the generous, professional help of Mill Auto Signs of Redruth, the van has been sign written and logo’d in our colours so as we will not be confused with the NHS Blood Transfusion Service or the NHS Blood Transport Service.

This welcome addition to our Fleet was to take on several roles. Firstly, it will become an operational vehicle to continue our work especially when the weather is not favourable. Secondly, because of our increased public presence at Cornwall’s social events such as Steam Rallies, bike shows, village fetes etc, we have to transport more and more equipment to these events, in order to promote and raise further funds for the charity and highlight to the public, who do not know of our work, who we are and what we do.

This van has now covered over 42,000 miles, you will more often than not find John our CBB Fleet Manager travelling across the County to events, collecting pots, or transporting tyres and equipment for our fleet.

If you see him be sure to give him a wave!

This fabulous asset has only gone onto strengthen the Charity and ensure that our professional service to Cornwall’s communities and our NHS Partners is further safeguarded.