Russell Roof Tiles Donates £18,000 for New Blood Bike to Enhance Charity Fleet
In a significant boost for emergency medical transport, Burton-based roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has provided an £18,000 donation to Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes. This contribution has enabled the charity to acquire a new BMW 'blood bike', named Russell RT, replacing an older vehicle in its fleet. The donation underscores a long-standing partnership that has seen the roofing firm support the charity for over a decade.
Decade-Long Support and NHS Savings
Since 2016, Russell Roof Tiles has raised an impressive £71,000 for the charity, helping it operate vital services that save hospitals up to £300 per taxi journey for urgent deliveries. This support is crucial as the charity, which is not government-funded, relies entirely on donations and fundraising to provide free transport of blood products, breast milk, and other essential supplies to hospitals across the Midlands. The savings generated significantly alleviate pressure on NHS funding during challenging times.
Charity Operations and Impact
Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes has been operational since 2014, utilizing a fleet of 18 bikes and 4 cars staffed by volunteers. In 2025 alone, its team of 210 riders completed 7,744 jobs and traveled 335,144 miles, making it one of the largest blood bike groups in the UK. Regular fleet updates are necessary due to wear and tear, ensuring safety and reliability to meet growing hospital demands. Previous donations from Russell Roof Tiles have funded two other bikes named 'Bundy' and 'Brewer'.
Statements from Key Figures
Andrew Hayward, Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, "Having supported Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes for some time, it's a charity that is incredibly close to us that does so much for the local community. It's an honour to have the bike named after us and it's fantastic to be recognised for the support we have provided to its team over the years. We are all looking forward to the bike getting on the road and helping those in need."
Jeremy Cartwright, Chairman of the charity, added, "The team at Russell Roof Tiles have been our loyal supporters for several years and their incredible efforts have made it possible for us to buy three bikes, Brewer, Bundy and Russell RT. Our fleet of motorcycles cover more than 330,000 miles each year, so we need to replace them regularly to ensure safety and reliability and meet the growing demand from the hospitals we serve across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire. We're incredibly grateful to Russell Roof Tiles for its help in making this happen."
Broader Philanthropic Efforts
Russell Roof Tiles launched its Give4Good initiative in 2021, which has since raised over £275,000 for local causes through events like charity skydives, golf days, and a Race Across Europe challenge. This ongoing commitment highlights the company's dedication to community support and charitable giving in the Burton upon Trent area and beyond.
