Meet the Biker 19 Group, a hearty band of motorcyclists who came together from different clubs six weeks ago to help with the community response to Covid-19.
Led by Martin Hendy, and ably assisted by Paula Slade, the voluntary group is mainly made up of current and former service personnel from the army, navy and police, all with one thing in common: they love bikes.
Having recently joined the Good Neighbours Scheme, Biker 19 are currently helping with the collection and delivery of medication to vulnerable people shielded by the Council’s Caring for Plymouth hub but before that have been assisting Age UK Plymouth and a local mental health charity.
“We have ten riders available most days and between us, we’re clocking up over 3,500 miles a week” explains Martin. “They undertake the rather unglamorous task of queuing at both pharmacies and supermarkets so that they can get prescriptions and shopping for the elderly and vulnerable.
“Paula keeps us in line with daily taskings received over email from various support agencies and she sends out the details to the bikers on a WhatsApp group.
“We’re just a group of guys who love bikes and thanks to our background in public service, have a willingness to just get the job done.”
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing and Cooperative Development, said: “This group of people really encapsulate what the Good Neighbours scheme is all about. They are passionate, public spirited and are doing a really incredible job.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the Biker 19 group and to all of the other organisations out there who are selflessly supporting our voluntary response to the coronavirus crisis.”
There is more information on the Good Neighbours scheme and how we can support groups like Biker 19 here - www.plymouth.gov.uk/goodneighboursscheme