League of Friends donation supports vital blood transport service

A vital blood transport vehicle, run by the Kent branch of Service by Emergency Response Volunteers (SERV), has been purchased thanks to a £11,450 donation from Medway League of Friends.

Representatives of both organisations attended a presentation at Medway Maritime Hospital to officially recognise the donation and continued support as part of Volunteers’ Week last month.

Representatives of The Medway League of Friends and SERV Kent standing in front of a marked response vehicle

Marion Cogger, The Medway League of Friends Trustee and Secretary said: “The Medway League of Friends is a proud supporter of SERV(Kent). When we were approached to see if we could contribute to help secure the future of ‘Mick Mack’ their marked vehicle, we were very happy to do so.”

SERV (Kent) provides a vital service to the NHS transporting blood and blood products transporting blood and blood products, including plasma and platelets, as well as other samples, medicines and milk for premature babies from the regional centre at St Georges Hospital, Tooting to any of the Kent based hospitals including Medway Maritime Hospital.

The charity operates 24/7, all year round and relies on volunteers and support from the local community.

The Friends were approached for funding support following a chance meeting after both organisations took part in the Snowdon at Night Challenge in August 2023. SERV (Kent) team members Andy and Elyse Ratcliffe took up the challenge to raise money to secure their vehicle as the funding arrangement in place was due to end.

Andy Ratcliffe, SERV (Kent) Secretary said: “We are extremely grateful to the League for their generous support in providing the remaining funds necessary to secure the vehicle.”

Alison Davis, Chief Medical Officer, Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “Organisations such as SERV are vital to the smooth running of our hospital and help to put our patients first.

“We are very grateful to Medway League of Friends for their continued support as all profits from the First Rate Café and Shop are reinvested to provide equipment which benefits patients, helping to improve their experience while in hospital.”

The Medway League of Friends has been supporting Medway Maritime Hospital since soon after it was taken over by the NHS, more than 60 years ago, in 1961. The League is a registered charity and a volunteer-led group who dedicate their time to raising vital funds for local health services.

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Dr Jaroslaw Beta, who is known to colleagues and service users as Jarek, holds baby Jarek who is named after him. Mum Lauren Davies is pictured next to them.

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