NERVS
The North East Riders Volunteers (NERVS) are a group of Aberdeenshire-based volunteers who provide free transportation services to the National Health Service. Their team ferry medical samples and treatments, medical equipment (such as will fit on a bike, or even a car), donated breast milk and files between different locations for free.
NERVS is affiliated to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB). The service operates seven days a week:
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Hospital requests the service by calling NERVS telephone number
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One of our volunteer Controllers takes the call and agrees service required
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Controller allocates Rider (or driver dependant on weather)
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Rider collects/delivers consignment
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Controller closes out call.
In 2021, the Royal Caledonian Charities Trust supported NERVS' work with a £3,000 grant. The money will help them purchase equipment for the charity, including accessories for their vehicles, tools and equipment for their workshop, and other equipment that might help with running the charity.
Ripple Cancer Retreat
The Ripple Retreat is a place for families of young cancer patients in Scotland, where they can unwind during the most challenging of times at home in soothing natural surroundings. It provides a chance to nurture both physical and mental well-being in a uniquely beautiful natural retreat away from the everyday realities of living with cancer.
The Retreat is nestled within the gorgeous landscape of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The waterside location reflects the rippling surface of the lake, with the rippled roof design sweeping beautifully from the edge of the waters to weave around our unique living space. The space itself has been designed to offer a connected, shared area of calm relaxation, with a family-friendly environment that offers easy access for individuals of all abilities. Wide expanses of glass connect the interior of the house to the tranquil setting, while providing visibility to the available indoor and outdoor play areas.
The Ripple Retreat aims to provide all the amenities for a calm, relaxing stay. Stays start from Saturday, offering five days through to the following Wednesday noon. Accommodation includes three bedrooms, a twin, a double, and a single. All are barrier free, making it accessible to individuals regardless of mobility challenges. The single room also includes a wet room with wheelchair accessible sink.
The charity offers retreats for patients up to the age of 18 and their families. It can accommodate a maximum of five guests, over three bedrooms, all completely free of charge. In 2021, the Royal Caledonian Charities Trust donated £3,000 towards the charity's running costs - ensuring it can continue to offer its services to young cancer patients for free.
