An impressive new motorbike has been dedicated to an inspirational Trentagh boy Noah Gooch.
Noah’s bike is the newest addition to the North West Blood Bike fleet.
The life-saving charity marked 10 years in operation with a fundraising ride-out yesterday.
The event saw the unveiling of a stunning Yamaha FTR 1300, decked out in colourful stickers in tribute to eight-year-old Noah.
Noah and Lee check out the new Blood Bike, with northwest chair Paddy Doherty
The bike was funded through Noah’s Bed Push in 2021, which saw family and friends of Noah’s pushing a bed 250km from Dublin to Donegal. The event raised an incredible €237,000 for nine charities that help sick children.
Noah, the son of Highland Radio broadcaster Lee and his wife Claire, captured the hearts of people all over Ireland during the bed push fundraiser. Despite his health challenges, his smile brings joy to everyone he meets and his family’s determination to help others inspires so many people.
The North West Bloodbike volunteers were delighted to have Noah as their guest of honour at their bike run yesterday, launching from Snugborough in Letterkenny.
Noah and Lee Gooch at the launch of the Blood Bike 10th Anniversary Charity Run
The launch of the Blood Bike 10th Anniversary Charity Run
Speaking at the launch, Paddy Doherty, Chairman of Northwest Bloodbikes said: “The bike has been kitted out with Noah’s name and his own personal logo, so that every time we do an emergency run, Noah will be along with us. We are grateful for the Gooch family and for the team for what they have done for us.”
Noah was also made an honorary member of the group and was presented with his own custom high-viz vest.
Sunday’s event was supported by local Gardaí, who were delighted to see Little Blue Hero Noah add another honorary title to his list of achievements.
“We were all so delighted for him today as he is just a wee superstar in every way!,” a garda spokesperson said.
Gardaí providing traffic assistance for the blood bike run. Photo: Garda Síochána Donegal
Jimmy Stafford with Noah and Lee Gooch. Photo: Garda Síochána Donegal
The Northwest Blood Bike group is comprised of all voluntary riders and coordinators. Thirteen advanced riders provide free transport of medical supplies, breast milk, MRI scans and laboratory samples across the country, covering Donegal, Sligo, Galway and further afield in partnership with other Blood Bike volunteer groups. They operate an out of hours service using volunteer riders to save money. This can then be put back into primary care.
The 10 years of the Blood Bike north west group would not have been possible without the continued support of many business donors, individual public contributors and donors.
