THE Freemasons of Cornwall have donated £25,000 via the Masonic Charitable Foundation Grant to the Cornwall Blood Bikers charity, after it received the most votes in a countywide public poll.

Thanks to the donation, the charity is buying a brand new 1200cc BMW response bike and two further second hand bikes, which upgrades its ageing fleet that runs throughout the year in all weathers.

Cornwall Blood Bikes was one of six self-funded organisations in the county to be nominated for the Masonic Charitable Foundation Awards, which saw £3-million handed out to 300 charities and other organisations across the UK as part of its Tercentenary Year of celebrations.

The Blood Bikers received the highest out of a £58,000 pot of cash for Cornwall, with iSight Cornwall receiving £15,000, Bosom Buddies UK £4,000, Penhaligon’s Friends £4,000, Young People Cornwall £4,000 and Ellie’s Haven Cornwall, £6,000.

The volunteer bikers, who transfer lifesaving medical supplies out of hours across the county and further afield saving the NHS in Cornwall around £250,000 each year in taxi fares, arrived at Truro Cathedral to meet the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Cornwall, Stephen C Pearn, for the official cheque presentation.

Ian Butler, the fundraising manager for the Blood Bikers, thanked the public and Masonic Lodges of Cornwall for their amazing support.

Speaking at the official presentation on Saturday, September 30, Provincial Grand Master Mr Pearn, said he was delighted for the Blood Bikers.

Mr Pearn said: “The donation from The Masonic Charitable Foundation will literally save lives and it’s also a great way to advertise what the charity does. Cornwall’s Masonic Benevolent Fund has been supporting so many communities across Cornwall for many years. It’s a great organisation that is fun to be a part of as well as helping others. Our members come from all walks of life.”

Also attending the presentation was one of the oldest members of the Blood Bikers team, Conrad Dowding from Launceston, who is still enjoying life on two wheels at the age of 80.

Conrad said: “I joined the charity after I lost my wife Pam to breast cancer. I couldn’t do anything to help her, which is why I joined the Blood Bikers team. It was my way of giving something back.

“I feel part of a great team that is working together to do something worthwhile. We get no NHS funding, we use our own bikes and we work out of hours and can be called on at anytime.”

Five other local Cornish charities also won substantial grants totalling £33,000 and can be viewed at the following weblink for the MCF: https://mcf.org.uk/region/cornwall/