A dedicated volunteer for the Blood Bikes service has tragically lost his life following a collision while transporting critical NHS supplies on a country road this week.
A Life Lost in Service
Andrew Rogers, a 61-year-old farmer and grandfather of three from Haycastle, succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the crash on Thursday, December 29. The incident occurred on the A48 near Llanddarog in Carmarthenshire, where his marked Honda 750 Blood Bike was involved in a collision with a black Audi A3. Mr Rogers was rushed to hospital but passed away three days later.
His heartbroken family paid tribute, stating he was deeply passionate about his volunteer work. "Andrew was volunteering as a blood bike rider at the time, something he was deeply passionate about," they said. "Helping people and volunteering as a street pastor for many years, Andrew had a strong Christian faith, with his life guided by his Lord Jesus."
A Community in Mourning
The family also highlighted his lifelong dedication to farming, describing him as well-known, loved, and respected within the agricultural community. Andrew Rogers is survived by his wife Tricia, daughter Julie, son Nathan and his partner Penny, his mother Hilda, brother Colin and sister-in-law Myra, and his three grandchildren, among other family members and friends.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed his death in hospital and are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone with dashcam footage who was driving in the area at the time of the collision.
A Second Tragedy for Blood Bike Wales
This devastating event marks the second fatal incident involving a Blood Bike Wales volunteer in just six months. In July, 78-year-old Tim Minett was killed in a crash on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos in Pembrokeshire. Mr Minett, described by his family as a 'much loved' man and 'dedicated volunteer', died at the scene after his Blood Bike Wales Honda collided with a white Volkswagen van.
Following that July crash, a 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Blood Bikers are volunteer motorcyclists who provide a vital, free-of-charge courier service for the NHS, transporting essential items such as blood, organs, samples, surgical instruments, and donor breast milk between hospitals, labs, and patients.
In a statement on social media, Blood Bikes Wales expressed their gratitude for the public support, saying: "We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the concern, good wishes, and support being shown - it truly means a great deal to us all."
