Bloodbikers memorial ride across Dorset in memory of founder

Cecil Turner, better known as Ces, founded the Yeovil Free Wheelers Bloodbike group. Members deliver blood, platelets, tissue samples, medication, baby milk, X-rays, CT scans, medical documents and equipment to countless NHS organisations and patients across Dorset and South Somerset

The charity was founded in 1978 and is one of the oldest operational blood bike groups in the country.

Ces Turner (Image: Kris Knapton)

Sadly, Cecil died last year, so the team decided to host a big ride from West Bay, across the Jurassic Coast through areas including Weymouth, all the way to Yeovil Rugby Club.

Ces Turner memorial ride (Image: Kris Knapton)

Kris Knapton, a bloodbike volunteer said: “The ride was a way to remember Ces and the legacy that he has left behind.

“His family were also there; it was great to do something for them.”

Mr Turner's family also brought his old bike along to the ride.

Mr Turner's bike (Image: Kris Knapton)

Mr Knapton revealed that due to the wet weather ‘they didn’t have many people turn up,’ adding, ‘it was still a nice day.’

However, the group are planning to host another memorial ride next year in memory of their founder and hope that even more people will turn up.

Mr Knapton added: “Hopefully next year when we do it again we will have better weather

At the finish point of Yeovil Rugby Club, a raffle was also hosted to raise money for the lifesaving charity.

Ces Turner memorial ride (Image: Kris Knapton)

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The YFW Bloodbike group is made up of volunteers who rely on charitable donations to keep going and as a result, manage to save the NHS more than £400,000 a year.

Ces Turner memorial ride (Image: Kris Knapton)

As reported by the Echo the vital charity is also in need of new volunteers as demand for its services continues to grow.

At present the charity is made up of more than 100 members, some of whom are retired and others who work full and part-time jobs and donate their time for free.

Ces Turner memorial ride (Image: Kris Knapton)

For more information, visit www.yfwbloodbikes.org.