Story added: 1st November 2017

Official 2017 race charity SERV Norfolk launch new BMW blood bike

Runners from one of Run Norwich 2017’s race charities, SERV Norfolk, were proudly presented with the fruits of their labour on Sunday morning with the unveiling of a new blood bike.

They were among the first to see the new BMW F800-GT motorbike up close at its official launch at Norwich North Holiday Inn.

The bike’s purchase was made possible thanks to the efforts of 185 runners who took part in Run Norwich earlier this year, and helped to raise £34,500 for the charity.

Named ‘Red Army’ in honour of the SERV Norfolk runners and their red t-shirts, the bike will take its first ride this week.

It will be used to transport blood, samples and donated breast milk for the benefit of NHS patients.

The extra bike will allow more of SERV’s volunteers to be on the roads at any one time, and therefore help deliver more medical supplies between hospitals and donors.

Run Norwich Event Manager Amy Grewe, who attended the launch, said:

“When we chose our official race charities for 2017, one of our aims was to give a smaller charity a platform to boost their profile and raise vital funds.

“The charity isn’t one of the biggest, and receives no government funding, but its volunteers do an essential – and life-saving – service. It’s an honour to know we’ve helped to get ‘Red Army’ on the road.”

Over £160,000 was raised by charity runners for race charities SERV Norfolk, Community Sports Foundation, Norwich MIND and Big C at Run Norwich 2017.