A wheely excellent donation for NHS hospital heroes
18 September 2020
Consultant Physician Damian Jenkinson (left) was the first staff member to receive his bike
Seven NHS heroes at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital have been gifted brand new bikes after having theirs stolen whilst on shift during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bournemouth Hospital Charity worked in tandem with the Christchurch branch of Halfords to help replace the bikes, with support from the hospital'’'s Estates and Security teams.
Halfords donated over £2,800 worth of equipment, including seven bikes, seven locks and a maintenance package for each bike, consisting of a six week and annual service.
Karen Smith, Fundraising Manager at Bournemouth Hospital Charity, said: ‘We are extremely grateful to Halfords for this amazing donation and to our lovely estates and security teams for helping us work with the staff to replace their bikes.
'These bikes are not just a mode of transport for these members of staff, helping them get to and from work every day. They also provide great physical and mental health benefits by allowing these amazing heroes to enjoy fresh air and get daily physical activity during these uncertain times.'
Each of the seven members of staff were contacted to detail any requirements for replacements, specifically the frame style and size.
Joshua, Cycling Manager at Halfords Christchurch, said: 'We are so privileged to be able to support our local NHS heroes after all the amazing work they do for us. Helping to replace the stolen bikes was the least we could do and it was great working with the Charity to get the specifications of each bike to ensure we replaced them as best we could.'
Malcolm Keith, Accredited Security Management Specialist at the hospital, said: 'I was so pleased to be approached by people in our local community offering to help replace the bikes stolen and to work with the Charity and Halfords to deliver these bikes. It was brilliant to see staff members receiving their bikes after the unfortunate thefts and know that we have helped them get back in the saddle.'
For more information on how Bournemouth Hospital Charity is supporting its NHS heroes, visit BHCharity.org/nhs-heroes/ or call the Charity Office on 0300 019 4060.
Neil Ross, HCA Theatres, was delighted to receive his new bike
