Blood-bike rider, 78, killed while delivering NHS supplies in Pembrokeshire

A 78-year-old volunteer rider who was transporting life‑saving NHS supplies for Blood Bike Wales died after colliding with a van on a Pembrokeshire road, the charity and police said.

Timothy Minett, who rode a Honda for the volunteer organisation, was involved in a crash with a white Volkswagen Crafter on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos at about 6:25 p.m. on July 2 and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Blood Bike Wales, which uses volunteers to deliver emergency blood, donor milk and other medical supplies between hospitals, paid tribute on social media, saying the charity had “suffered a heartbreaking loss.” The organisation said on Facebook: “Our friend and volunteer rider Tim Minett tragically lost his life in a collision while carrying out his duties for the charity.”

A 56‑year‑old man was arrested and taken into police custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the crash, Dyfed‑Powys Police said. Officers closed the road overnight while conducting inquiries and appealed for witnesses and any dashcam footage to assist the investigation. Specialist officers were supporting Minett’s next of kin, police added.

Minett, a London‑born retired man who lived in Lower Nash near Pembroke Dock, was described by Blood Bike Wales as “a much‑loved husband to Jane, a valued member of our Blood Bikes Wales family, and a true friend to many.” His family said they were “deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.”

Volunteers from Blood Bike Wales plan to remember him with a memorial ride on Oct. 19. The group regularly operates outside normal NHS courier hours to move urgent medical items between hospitals and clinics across Wales, relying on trained volunteer motorcyclists to deliver supplies quickly when time is critical.

Charities that operate blood‑delivery services say volunteers play a key role in sustaining hospital transfusion services and neonatal care by transporting blood products and donor milk. Incidents that affect volunteers underscore safety risks faced by riders who respond to out‑of‑hours requests and navigate busy roads at speed.

Dyfed‑Powys Police continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage has been asked to contact the force to assist inquiries as they progress.

Blood Bike Wales asked the public to respect the privacy of Minett’s family while the charity and police completed their inquiries. The planned memorial ride will bring together volunteers and colleagues to honour his service to patients and the NHS.