A BLOOD and urgent items transportation service is more than £1,000 better off thanks to the Whitchurch Women’s Institute (WI).

Members have handed SERV Wessex blood bike volunteer Steve Waters £1,300 to go towards the cause, after raising the money through a week’s stint at Whitchurch charity shop Rotations last month.

WI member Catherine Burt was inspired into action for the group, which helps the NHS with the free service, after hearing from Steve who gave a talk to the WI last year about their work.

She said: “Whitchurch WI was pleased, not only to raise funds, but to raise the profile of this amazing volunteer service, which supports the NHS during the night and at weekends, transporting vital blood supplies and other items to hospitals, and the Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”

Steve returned to the town to receive the cheque on September 20, which was also raised with the help of friends and supporters from inside and outside the WI. He said: “If it had been £300 we would have been more than thrilled, but to have a one in front of it has just blown me away!”

To find out more, go to servwessex.org.uk.

Steve is an emergency rider volunteer who rides through the night on a motorbike to deliver much-needed items to hospitals and other destinations.