The Royal Oak in Chapel Ash has redefined what it means to be a community pub. Their support for Midland Freewheelers (Blood Bikers), a voluntary service delivering blood, samples and medication to NHS sites, has gone beyond generous - it has been transformational. From purchasing an emergency response motorbike to inspiring three locals to join the charity, the pub has raised over £30,000 in just over a year and cemented its status as the 2024 Community Pub Hero Awards overall winner.
The pub’s incredible fundraising journey began with a mission to buy a £18,000 Blood Bike – a goal they proudly achieved in 2023. But they didn’t stop there. In 2024 alone, they raised over £13,000 more to keep the fleet on the road.
Their community-powered events included:
- Virtual Walk from Land’s End to John o’ Groats: 70+ locals ran, walked, cycled and swam to cover 1,189 miles in just 5 days.
- Relay Day: Their biggest annual fundraiser, involving 250+ people in a mix of 5k runs, 8-mile walks, bike rides, and team sports, ending with live music.
- Colour Run & School Fun Day: Held at the local school with 100 participants and interactive engagement from the Blood Bikers themselves.
- January Jaunt: A challenge encouraging the community to walk a mile every day for 31 days.
- Charity Single: Written and recorded by pub musicians, the single told the story of their motorbike campaign and was sold locally.
Even the pub football team proudly wears the Blood Bikers logo on their kit.
The partnership with Midland Freewheelers has become a true local legend. Patrons regularly spot and share sightings of “One More One” – the pub-funded bike – out on the roads. When it rides past and toots its horn, conversation stops in the pub and stories flow. The relationship has brought the pub, the charity, and the entire community together.
- Enabled over 6,000 free deliveries for NHS hospitals by funding and maintaining a bike in the Freewheelers fleet.
- Encouraged three customers to become Blood Bikers and one staff member to become a shift coordinator.
- Put the Blood Bikers on the map in Wolverhampton, making their cause widely known and respected.
- United a community in shared achievement, pride, and purpose.
The bike they purchased has become a regional symbol of life-saving commitment and it’s all thanks to The Royal Oak.
The Royal Oak, Chapel Ash isn’t just a pub. It’s a lifesaving, challenge-loving, community-building powerhouse. Their creativity, consistency, and commitment have made them leaders in pub-led fundraising and their impact is now literally on the road, helping save lives across the West Midlands.
