A Phoenix Rises
Earlier this year Norfolk Blood Bikes received and unusual telephone call. We were saddend to learn out the untimely passing of a fellow motorcycle enthusiast and surprised to hear about one of his final wishes.
Motorcycling was Tony’s lifelong passion, starting in the mid-eighties, like many of us, at 16 years old on a Honda MB50. Clearly motorbikes were in his blood and later spending time as an RAC/ACU instructor, a track marshall, and organiser for several charitable bike events, clearly “giving back” was also a passion too.
In later years his wife Hazel, accompanied Tony touring the UK on his beloved blue Triumph Sprint and by 2023 with a new Yamaha FJR 1300, plans were afoot for a longer tour through Scandinavia.
Sadly, a cancer diagnosis meant that those dreams were destined not to happen. Tony battled bravely on enjoying a few more miles out on the open road on his Triumph Bonneville.
Tony’s stunning FJR 1300, in concourse condition, as donated to Norfolk Blood Bikes in the spring of 2025.
Before Tony’s last journey, he asked Hazel to offer his FJR to Norfolk Blood Bikes in in recognition of the valuable work their volunteers do. Knowing the FJR was a model they used and having had received several blood transfusions during his treatment, this was his way to say “thank you”.
Motorcycling was in Tony’s blood, what an appropriate legacy for such a passionate man.
“Tony” in new Norfolk Blood Bike hi-vis livery ready to deliver blood, platelettes or donated human milk.
On meeting Hazel and receiving Tony’s bike, the team at Norfolk Blood Bikes knew we had to something a little different to honour a man that had given so much of his life to the motorcycle sector.
Rather than our usual hi-vis yellow and orange, we chose to use hi-vis white and orange over the matte silver of the orginal paint finish. We also wanted to raise awareness of the work the charity does with the Human Milk Foundation and Hearts Milk Bank.
Whilst this would still be a “blood bike” that does milk collections like all our others, we hope that with a different livery and logos, it will help raise greater awareness of the importance of donated milk in the treatment of premature babies.
Of course their was only one choice when it came to naming this new bike.
“Tony’s” first delivery of blood to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Our volunteers deliver a fresh supply of blood to the helicopter and land based rapid response vehicle, unit every single evening.
The team at Norfolk Blood Bikes remain humbled and grateful to Tony and Hazel for such a generous donation and creating a lasting legacy that will help save lives in Norfolk.
Cheers Tony.
