Blood Bikes volunteer is the epitome of 'Riding for Life'

The Cornwall Blood Bikes charity has paid tribute to one of its volunteers who they say epitomises their motto ’Riding for Life’.

Conrad Dowding, 83, carries out a huge amount of operational duty for the Blood Bikes, often ferrying vital and time critical medical supplies up the M5 to junction 28 for handover to colleagues from the Freewheelers EVS to be taken on to Bristol Hospital.

Conrad, who first rode a motorbike aged 16, says he has seen a lot of changes over the years in terms of both bikes themselves and the traffic on the roads. He has recently passed exams to become a national observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - helping out by coaching others to acquire the driving skills necessary to achieve IAM status.

Conrad is also a keen participant in the social trips organised by the Cornwall IAM Club, and has been all over Europe and beyond; later this year, he plans a trip of around 2700 miles to visit all the points of the compass around Great Britain.

’Conrad’s riding skills are what we can all aspire to, and he is the epitome of Riding For Life,’ said Jayne Penlerick of the Cornwall Blood Bikes.

’On behalf of Cornwall Blood Bikes we send our huge congratulations and thank Con for his time and dedication to our charity and in turn to the people of Cornwall.’