AN attentive audience listened as members of Blood Bikes Manchester gave fascinating insights into their voluntary work to Saddleworth WI.

The out-of-hours service for the NHS works overnight and weekends transporting blood, medication for hospices and end of life comfort care, lifesaving equipment, nappies and breast milk.

They recently teamed up with the Air Ambulance Service to deliver blood for the patients in urgent need of a transfusion. In the first two months, the service saved 18 lives as the Air Ambulance can treat at the side of the road so saving vital time for them and the patient.

These unseen, dedicated, unsung heroes rely heavily on the general public’s generosity to keep the vital Blood Bikes service afloat.

It costs about £35,000 a year to run, but they are saving the NHS £340,000 per year. And a recent four-day trip to Benidorm successfully raised much needed funds.

There are 30 independent similar organisations in the UK/Ireland all working to the same framework and recently Blood Bikes Manchester had a very worthwhile TV advertising campaign encouraging more people to join.

Volunteers include a graphic designer, locksmith and prison officer, so anyone can apply.

Saddleworth WI's November 6 meeting welcomes Oldham Foodbank when there will be a Christmas themed product collection.

Saddleworth WI meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the Oak Room, The White Hart, Lydgate, at 7.15 pm. Visitors are welcome, there is a charge £3 per visit. Contact 07763 028466 or visit: www.saddleworthwi.com for further information on events and members.