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Residents at a retirement village in Aston on Trent have selected Derbyshire Blood Bikes as their chosen ‘charity of the year.’

Every year, Richmond Villages Aston on Trent nominates one local charity to dedicate its fundraising efforts to. Last year, residents and staff at the retirement village raised a total of £6,000 in donations for charities such as the British Heart Foundation, MacMillan and Royal British Legion, through a variety of activities and this year hope to significantly support their new charity partner.

Derbyshire Blood Bikes is a group of volunteers that provide a free medical transport service for the NHS. The charity saves lives and money for the NHS by carrying blood, samples for analysis, medical equipment, medication to vulnerable patients, breast milk and more. The service is invaluable to many in the Derbyshire community, which is why residents were so passionate about supporting its cause.

Malcolm Caporn, a resident at Aston on Trent Richmond Village, said: “I am very pleased that we have decided to support Blood Bikes, the work they do is very important. I’m looking forward to all the fun activities and events we’ll be hosting to raise lots of money for the charity.”

Staff at the retirement village are planning a calendar of activities throughout 2025 that will aid  fundraising efforts. They plan to host a coffee and cake afternoon in April, open to the entire community, where guests will be asked to donate £5 each. They will also be hosting a child-friendly Easter Fair in late April, where the charity bikers will be making a guest appearance.

Naomi Benham, Head of Activities at  Richmond Villages Aston-on-Trent, added: “We have realised that the work that the volunteers do in supporting our NHS goes largely unnoticed. We are looking forward to showcasing their charity, raising awareness within our village and wider community and our residents and staff 

are thrilled at the prospect of giving back to them. They are a vital support for our NHS and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

“We have lots of exciting events in the pipeline, including a coffee morning, which always goes down well with our residents. Our staff and residents will also be taking on challenges, such as a cycle-a-thon, to play their part too.”

Mark Vallis, Operations Manager at Derbyshire Blood Bikes, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of the Aston on Trent Richmond Village and look forward to all the events they have planned this year. We are funded entirely through public donations, so the fabulous efforts of the residents and staff will make a significant contribution to supporting our service to the NHS and our communities.”

For those looking to get involved and stay updated about the upcoming charity events can visit: www.facebook.com/DerbyshireBloodBikes/ 

Richmond Villages Aston-on-Trent welcomes all stages of living. For residents seeking either short- or long-term care, you can enjoy 3 weeks for the price of 2. For those interested in apartment living, you can take advantage of a free, two nights’ stay to try the lifestyle out for size. T&Cs apply. Visit richmond-villages.com/special-offers.