Highland volunteers attempt world record Blood Bikes relay in fundraising UK tour

Two volunteers from Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes will attempt to make the UK's longest ever Blood Bike relay during the fundraising event between 2-4 June

Author: Anna MackenziePublished 29th May 2022
Last updated 29th May 2022

A Highland medical courier service are hoping to set a new Guinness World Record.

Two volunteers from Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes (HAIBB) will attempt to make the UK's longest ever Blood Bike relay between 2-4 June.

The ride will cover approximately 1,700 miles over three days, starting and ending at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

The relay item is a Charter known as the 'Highland Hand of Friendship', which commemorates the work done by all blood bike groups for the NHS throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Volunteer motorcyclists Mark Robinson and Thomas Carroll will meet up with representatives from the other blood bike groups on their journey around the UK, who will sign the Charter to be submitted and hopefully ratified as a new world record.

Three-day relay challenge

Rider Mark Robinson told MFR News they're going to work really hard to complete the journey in record-breaking time - as well as raise vital funds for the courier service.

He said: "For every single penny that we get in fundraising that we can put towards fuel towards the motorcycles and the cars, servicing and so on, that's a penny that the NHS doesn't have to pay out.

"It means that there's more money for the NHS, for the vital services, for operations, for nurses' wages, cleaners' wages.

"All the vital things that people take for granted - we do our level best to try to balance the books."

An HAIBB spokesperson said: "We wish Mark and Thomas the very best of luck in what will be a very memorable event that will bring the UK groups together, raise our public profile and may even create a new World Record."

You can follow the riders journey via the Highland and Islands Blood Bikes Facebook page.

Donations to HAIBB can be made via the Highland Hand of Friendship JustGiving page.

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