Yorkshire Organ Donation team embark on 70-mile cycle to raise awareness as part of the Race for Recipients 2023 challenge

This morning, the Yorkshire Organ Donation Team geared up for a remarkable cycling endeavour. Covering 70 miles (ca. 113 km) the team raced against time to spread awareness about the crucial need for organ donation.

The challenge is for NHS colleagues to accumulate miles through sporting activities and the team are aspiring to be the first to reach the regional milestone of 50,000km which represents the number of people living with a transplant in the UK.

Starting from Pinderfields Hospital, the cyclists embarked on the challenging route through Wakefield and York, ending the day at St James University Hospital in Leeds.

The cycling team consisted of ICU consultants, junior doctors, and organ donation committee members from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, York Teaching Hospital, and Hull University Teaching Hospital.

Taking place during Organ Donation Week 2023, the cycle formed part of a wider ‘Race for Recipients’ challenge set by NHS Blood and Transplant with Mid Yorkshire colleagues accumulating 630 miles from the ride towards the regional goal.

Helen Buglass, Intensive Care Unit Doctor and the lead for Organ Donation at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said:

Organ donation is a lifesaving act that has the power to transform the lives of those in need. Being able to do our part in raising awareness for organ donation through the Race for Recipients challenge has been great.

As a team, we are committed to raising awareness and increasing the number of registered donors, which is why we have taken on the 70-mile challenge. By pedalling these miles, we hope to inspire conversations about organ donation and make a positive impact on the lives of recipients and their families.

To learn more about organ donation and how you can make a difference, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk