The annual general meeting of Bradley Stoke Town Council on 9th May saw outgoing mayor Andy Ward present cheques to his two chosen ‘charities of the year’.
In accordance with the mayor’s wishes declared at the start of his term in office, Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service (commonly known as ‘Blood Bikes’) and Cardiomyopathy UK were awarded equal shares of the amount collected over the year, with each receiving £ 4,381.
The money handed to the groups derives from fundraising events organised by the town council over the past 12 months, principally the Community Festival in June and the firework display in November.
Freewheelers EVS operates a fleet of motorcycles (along with volunteer riders) that provides a free out-of-hours medical courier service to hospitals in the south west. It can be used to transport blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patients’ notes, x-rays, breast milk, medication and other medical supplies.
Cardiomyopathy UK provides support and information to people affected by the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy. It works extensively with medical professionals to ensure best practice in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy and campaigns for members of affected families to have genetic tests and regular heart checks.
Photos: [Top] Matt Eager, fundraiser and rider for Freewheelers EVS, receives a cheque. [Above] Steve Holliday, SW representative for Cardiomyopathy UK, receives a cheque.
This article originally appeared in the June 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 30). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
