Donation of van is ‘game changer’ for vital Highland NHS courier charity

A vital charity helping communities across the length and breadth of the Highlands has unveiled its newest set of wheels after a generous donation from Dicksons of Inverness.

Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes (HAIBB), who provide free courier services for the NHS, transporting essential medical supplies and samples, received a new Nissan Townstar van from Dicksons – and the car dealer is now offering up an Amazon voucher worth £50 as a prize for the best name for the new vehicle.

Entirely run by unpaid volunteers, HAIBB operates without Government or NHS funding, relying solely on donations.

The charity’s main base is in Inverness, along with three smaller bases in Wick, Fort William and Oban.

HAIBB head of operations Gordon Scott said: “We are super delighted to have the support of Dicksons of Inverness. Like us, they believe in excellence in customer service, and serving the communities in the Highlands - so it’s an excellent partnership.

“Partnering with local companies is particularly rewarding as we can mutually support and advance the aims of all parties.

“The gift of a van is a game changer for us, over the winter. Most of our mileage is done on four wheels rather than two, as our safety policies recommend avoiding the use of motorcycles when temperatures are at, or below, three degrees.

“Much of what we do is serving local communities - getting meds to very rural areas. Many of our volunteers joined us to drive not ride for the charity, so this provides another vehicle in the fleet that they can use.

“From Wick, though Inverness, Fort William and Oban, we have just over 100 volunteers, five motorcycles, two cars and a van in the fleet.

“The new van will allow us soon to retire our old one which has served us well, with over 140,000 miles now on the clock.

“A van is also versatile, the help more bulky items and in the warmer months help us move our gear to outside events and shows where we can talk the public about what we do.

“Volunteers don’t have to ride bikes - drivers, telephone controllers and fundraisers are all needed and welcome - to find out more go to haibloodbikes.co.uk.”

Fraser Bryce, managing director of Dicksons of Inverness, said: “Highlands and Islands Blood bikes are an essential charity supporting the NHS, saving lives every day.

“With the unpredictable weather and tough terrain of our landscape, they need four wheeled vehicles as well as two.

“We are delighted to be able to donate this vehicle and hope it makes a difference when the NHS calls upon this vital service.

“We already donate vehicles to Mikeysline and Cash for kids and love that we are in a position to help these three important charities.”

The Inverness car dealer is now inviting members of the public to suggest a name for the new van.

In a post on Facebook, Dicksons of Inverness wrote: “Help us name the newest addition to HAIBB’s fleet! Each vehicle has a unique name, and we’re inviting YOU to add to the tradition.

“Submit your idea using the form on our website. If your suggestion is chosen, you’ll win a £50 Amazon voucher – just in time for Christmas!”

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