A Delicious Way to Support Life-Saving Journeys Across the East Midlands
Do you love baking, socialising, and supporting a critical cause? East Midlands Freewheelers (EMF) Blood Bikes invites you to swap your motor oil for milk and your helmet for a teacup by hosting your very own Charity Afternoon Tea!
This simple, fun, and highly effective fundraising method is perfect for anyone—from individuals to local businesses, schools, and community groups—to make a massive difference right here in Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester.
What Are East Midlands Freewheelers Blood Bikes?
The East Midlands Freewheelers are a team of dedicated volunteers who provide a free, urgent courier service to the NHS across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
We operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, often in challenging weather conditions. Our volunteers transport vital medical supplies that the NHS needs immediately, including:
- Blood products for transfusions
- Urgent samples for testing
- Donor breast milk for premature babies
- Essential documents and medical equipment
The service we provide is crucial. It ensures hospitals can maintain high standards of patient care outside of normal contracted transport hours, saving the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds every year that can be redirected back into patient services. We receive no government funding, relying entirely on donations and fundraising events like this Afternoon Tea challenge.
Host Your Own: The East Midlands Blood Bike Afternoon Tea Challenge
Hosting an Afternoon Tea is easy, fun, and completely flexible to suit your schedule and budget! Here is a simple guide to get your fundraising party started:
Step 1: Set Your Plan
- Date and Location: Choose a date and time that works best for you. This could be a lunchtime event at the office, a weekend gathering at home, or a dedicated afternoon at a local community hall.
- Invite Your Guests: Decide who you want to invite! Colleagues, neighbours, friends, or family—the more the merrier. Ask them to RSVP so you know how many scones to bake.
- Decide Your Menu: Classic Afternoon Tea includes scones, small sandwiches, and sweet treats. Keep it simple or go all out! Ask friends to contribute a dish to share the baking load.
Step 2: Raise Those Funds
The primary way to raise money is by asking your guests for a donation in exchange for the delicious treats. Here are a few popular ideas:
- Set a Suggested Donation: Ask for a fixed contribution (e.g., £5 or £10) per person to cover costs and guarantee a profit for the Blood Bikes.
- Charity Raffle: Run a small raffle during the event. Ask local businesses to donate prizes (e.g., a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates) and sell tickets for an extra boost in donations.
- Bake Sale Extension: If you’re hosting in a public place, sell extra portions to passers-by!
Step 3: Promote and Collect
- Tell Everyone! Post about your event on social media and mention that all proceeds are going to the East Midlands Freewheelers Blood Bikes. Use the hashtag #EMFTeaTime.
- Collect Donations: Have a donation pot clearly labelled with the EMF logo, or set up a simple online donation page (we can help you with this!) where guests can contribute directly.
Step 4: After the Tea
Once the crumbs are cleared and the kettles are silent, please send the funds you’ve raised directly to the East Midlands Freewheelers. Our fundraising team is available to help you make the transfer safely and easily.
The Difference Your Tea Makes
Every cup of tea and every slice of cake translates directly into operational support for our volunteer riders.
- £30 covers the fuel costs for a single life-saving journey between two hospitals.
- £150 helps fund vital maintenance and insurance for one of our Blood Bikes for a whole month.
- £500 could purchase new high-visibility and protective gear for a volunteer rider, ensuring their safety on the road.
Need some help or guidance? Reach out to our Fundraising Team today.