I was delighted, accompanied by Ann Beckett our Federation Treasurer, to visit the Countess of Chester Hospital at the end of December 2025 for the launch of a smart new Blood Bike – Denman III – replacing those previously in service. Operating around Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, this new bike will however work solely in Cheshire so please look out for it as it delivers vital blood and milk bank services to hospitals and mothers and babies around the county.
Helen Bundy, a Trustee and Speaker Team Co-ordinator, Steve Hunter, Cheshire Area Lead Biker and two senior nurses who organise the milk bank out of the Women & Children’s department and who have just won the King’s Award for their skills, were also present. This Blood Bike service is a charity and is extremely grateful for all the donations given by members of the WI.
At the launch, the Cheshire Federation Trustees felt it very appropriate to provide a cheque for £1,000 being the proceeds we received from the sale of National Federation raffle tickets and “topped up” from Federation funds. All WI members around Cheshire were thanked for their hard work in selling and buying tickets which made this donation possible.
If your WI wishes to know more about this critical work, please do contact Helen on her email address below, to organise a speaker for your meeting. She will be more than pleased to help you.
Telephone: 07870 868347
Selina, Chair