Russ Harrison, General Manager at the Smurfit Kappa packaging plant in Leeds, UK, has firsthand experience of the critical importance of timely access to blood in emergencies. When his wife fell seriously ill and required a blood transfusion, he later discovered that the blood that saved her life had been delivered by a charitable organisation known as Blood Bikes. 

Blood Bikes is comprised of unpaid volunteers who generously donate their time and expertise to support public wellbeing in Manchester, UK. They transport various medical supplies, including blood products, blood samples, medication, and equipment, utilising motorcycles for their deliveries.

The charity operates a 365-day "blood on board service" for the North West Air Ambulance. This service has helped save over 300 lives in the past five years by administering blood transfusions at the scene of accidents before transporting the injured to hospitals.

Their commendable efforts also extend to collecting breast milk from donor mothers in the region and delivering it to the Human Milk Bank, where it undergoes processing, filtration, and testing before being distributed, again by Blood Bike volunteers, to neonatal intensive care units in local hospitals.

Motivated to give back to the community, Russ Harrison, an avid motorcyclist, chose to join the Blood Bikes charity. For several years now, he has dedicated his spare time to regularly delivering essential blood and breast milk to those in need.

Recently appointed as a trustee of the Blood Bikes charity, Russ approached the Smurfit Kappa Foundation to seek funding for a new vehicle. In adverse weather conditions, when motorcycling is too hazardous, or for larger deliveries that cannot be accommodated on motorcycles, the charity had been relying on two aging four-wheeled vehicles.

The Smurfit Kappa Foundation  is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and was pleased to contribute £25,000 to support Blood Bikes. This donation has facilitated the acquisition of a new hybrid electric vehicle, ideally suited for short-distance travel in the centre of Manchester. Not only does this vehicle help reduce the charity's fuel costs, but it also contributes to cleaner air in the city.

Smurfit Kappa has a deep commitment  commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work and advocating for the vulnerable. Each year, our employees generously give their time, energy, and expertise to empower communities, promote wellbeing.

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