A FORMER firefighter is set to represent a Welsh charity at next month's Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain.

Johnstown's Chris Jones will represent charity, Blood Bikes, in his role as Trustee for the Wrexham branch at the event taking place in Cardiff on September 2.

Playing a vital role in relieving the pressure on the National Health Service, Blood Bikes Wales volunteers provide a completely free courier service for the NHS, relying solely on their volunteers and public donations.

Representing Blood Bikes will be a true family affair for Chris, 62, as his wife, Karen is also a volunteer Blood Bikes fundraiser who works at Wrexham Maelor Hospital whilst son Joe, daughter Katie and her husband Denial are all involved with the charity in various ways.

Out of over 90, Chris is the longest serving covering North-East Wales, working alongside the rest of the team around the clock assisting to deliver vital blood supplies and samples, plasma, donor milk for specialist baby units and essential medication between the various hospitals across the region.

With one unit based at Maesgwyn Hall, next to the Racecourse Ground and another at Glan Clwyd Hospital, there’s never a quiet moment for the service – running seven days a week covering thousands of miles in the process - estimating that for every pound donated, the NHS saves £5 which can be invested into frontline care.

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Chris and members from across Wales will be heading to Cardiff to raise awareness of this vital work as the biggest indoor motorsport event in the UK roars back to the Principality Stadium.

Chris said: “I do happen to be a Speedway fan so this is a great event for me but it’s also so important that we get out there and let people know about the work we’re doing and that while most of us are riders, we rely just as much on others in terms of the fundraising, admin and controller roles to keep going so everyone is welcome.

“It’s great for us to have this platform in front of so many motorsport fans and if any reading this are heading down, please come and see us!

“We’re all really looking forward to it, and fingers crossed for a British win of course!”

FIM Speedway Championships director, Laura Manciet added: “It is an absolute pleasure to team up with Blood Bikes Wales and celebrate their great work at the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff.

“Many people ride and race motorcycles because it’s something they love to do and the fact that the Blood Bikes Wales team is taking this so much further in providing vital services for the NHS is fantastic to see.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone from Blood Bikes Wales to Cardiff on September 2nd and hope they have a fantastic event with us.”