Dorset's DocBike charity gets £8,600 of support

Weymouth Bike Nights have been raising cash, with donations from a local business

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 4th Jul 2024

Two sets of support for Dorset charity DocBike are expected to make a huge difference to their work.

The charity helps get highly trained trauma doctors or critical care paramedics onto two wheels to provide roadside critical care, whilst working at a national level to help prevent motorcycle collisions from happening in the first place.

DocBike gets no direct funding from the Government and relies entirely on the generosity of public donations.

They've received £5,658 donation from Weymouth Bike Nights, held each Thursday on the Esplanade - as they were the chosen charity of the year for 2023, and the final total's now been handed over.

Dr Ian Mew, Co-Founder and Trustee of DocBike said:

“It’s been really lovely to see Weymouth Bike Night grow over the years and their support for DocBike is very much appreciated. The backdrop of the Esplanade and Weymouth Bay must make this one of the most idyllic locations to hold a bike night in the country!

“We have two critical care response bikes active in Dorset, with one based in the East and the other in the West. We are keen to put a third response bike on the road, so this amazing donation from Weymouth Bike Night will help towards the £62,000 that it costs to put a fully equipped DocBike on the road.

“I'm also really grateful to the organisers and local population of Weymouth for enabling this event to occur. DocBike is as much about helping bikers to become more skilled riders to help them avoid being involved in a crash (even if it's not their fault), as we are about helping to pick up the pieces after a crash.

“As we saw on the night of the cheque presentation, DocBike was tasked to a patient who needed critical care locally. We are there for anyone who needs help, not just motorcyclists, and we support the critical care service provided by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This incredible support from Weymouth Bike Night will enable us to be there for people when they need timely critical care to help save their lives."

Darren Hindle, Organiser of Weymouth Bike Night said:

“Every year we select a charity that our Bike Night will support with the collections and donations we receive, we always try to keep them relevant and local. Since taking over the running of the Bike Night in 2018, we have raised almost £20,000 and supported many charities including Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Yeovil Freewheelers (Blood Bikes) and DocBike Dorset to name a few.

“Attendance numbers have tripled over recent years and we also introduced Classic and American cars, so this year, we have chosen three charities to support including DocBike Dorset, Yeovil Freewheelers and Weymouth RNLI.

“As this event is organised and marshalled completely by volunteers, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all and to recognise their efforts in keeping this event alive, so we as bikers and car enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this great evening meet!”

The new set-up for community events has been unveiled by DocBike in Dorset

DocBike has also had a £3,000 donation from Paul Webb, Director at Dorset Water Softeners, to fund new engagement equipment for the charity.

The new setup which includes a branded gazebo, feather flags, and a ‘mini DocBike’ toy bike that's already proving popular with younger visitors to their stands at community events and shows.

Ian McLennan, Event Co-ordinator for DocBike said:

“We would like to thank Paul and the team at Dorset Water Softeners for their generous sponsorship of the equipment, which will be hugely beneficial to the charity.

“DocBike was originally set up in Dorset, however, we are now rapidly becoming a national charity with eight branches across the UK. We aim to reduce fatalities and serious injuries amongst motorcyclists through research, engagement with bikers, and teaching free BikerDown courses.

"BikerDown was created by Jim Sanderson from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and is taught all over the UK by emergency service personnel. It aims to educate participants about how to avoid being involved in a collision, whilst equipping them with the skills to potentially save someone’s life if they come off their bike."

Paul Webb, Director at Dorset Water Softeners said:

“I first heard about DocBike through one of our customers. I was really impressed with their enthusiasm and what they are trying to achieve, so I was pleased to be able to help by sponsoring their engagement equipment.

“Dorset Water Softeners cover the whole of Dorset and therefore, we drive all over the county. We see the good and the bad on the roads, so anything that can make it safer for bikers and all road users is a great thing and should be supported.

“I have seen many serious injuries on the road and even witnessed a fatality up close, so it’s always struck me that I wish I had known what to do. After hearing about the free BikerDown course, I’m hoping to get myself booked on and will be encouraging my van drivers who go out every day to get trained too, as it might help to save someone’s life.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.