Meet the Team!

Brett Callaghan – Regional Lead

Brett attended a BikerDown course in Poole and were amazed at the work DocBike Dorset was doing and what the hard working volunteers had managed to achieve. Whilst on the ride back to Somerset both Brett and Elaine got to thinking how could they get this up and running in their own county. After a few conversations with Dr Ian Mew it was decided they would take on the task of Somerset & Avon DocBike. With a small support pack from DocBike UK and a couple of friends who “volunteered” to help, the newly formed Somerset & Avon started to raise awareness of DocBike. The fundraising was more of a challenge but some great support from the region’s bikers as well as Avon & Somerset Police meant the charity began to gain a presence. Brett has now taken on additional roles within DocBike but Somerset & Avon is his first priority!

For more information on these areas, take a look at What We Do.

Ben Preston – Deputy Regional Lead

Ben joined DocBike UK in 2022 , the same year he completed an Iron Butt challenge, riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours to raise money for the charity, and the year the Somerset & Avon branch was launched. Ben has worked for the South Western Ambulance Service since 2021 as an Emergency Care Assistant, and is currently studying Paramedic Science through the University of Cumbria, with a particular interest in trauma care. He was drawn to DocBike through his passion for motorcycling and pre-hospital care, as the charity’s ethos closely aligns with his own. Ben’s major achievement with DocBike has been developing a motorcycle trauma care course for the charity to support clinical education of medical professionals with an aim to improve outcomes at the roadside. Outside of work, he enjoys long-distance motorcycle touring and spending time with his wife, young daughter and their labrador.

Christa Marsh – Treasurer

Like many people Christa had a friend lose their life whilst riding a motorcycle, initially wanting to support those around her that love riding bikes she has now become one of the biker clan as well. Her work as treasurer with Somerset & Avon ensures every penny donated is used to fulfil our aim of eliminating motorcycle deaths in the UK. Christa’s financial guidance has meant the region is able to run engagement bikes along with the display kit that allows us to engage with motorcyclists right across the region.

Elaine Callaghan – National Volunteer Manager

Inspired by Dr Ian Mew’s enthusiasm and the subsequent success in Dorset Elaine recognised the need for a similar set up in Somerset & Avon. As a founder of this region and a new motorcyclist her focus is on upskilling not only for herself but for the many bikers that live and pass through here. With professional expertise in Learning & Development she is able to pass this knowledge on and has taken up the role of looking after our volunteers both regionally and nationally.

Amie Meakins – Events Co-ordinator

Amie came along with her partner to a DocBike Somerset & Avon event and ended up as part of the team. A great asset to have on the stand, Amie is able to relate to young riders and, as the region gets busier each year, has taken up the vital role of co-ordinating our events calendar. A well organised mind and the ability to herd cats means we will hopefully be in the right place at the right time with her guidance.

Volunteer

Everyone involved with the charity is a volunteer, we do not employ a single person. We are always looking for new volunteers who can help, so whatever you’re good at and however much time you have, we would be delighted to hear from you! 

If you would like to help us by becoming a volunteer, take a look at the different roles on our Volunteer Page.

Fundraise for us

With your commitment, enthusiasm, and support, we can help to save more lives. Whether you are part of business, a group or you would personally like to raise funds for DocBike UK, there are so many different ways that you can help us. If you would like to fundraise in aid of DocBike nationally & Locally, please visit our campaign page on Just Giving.

Follow us!

You can help to raise awareness of our life-saving work by sharing our posts with others on social media. To keep up to date with DocBike UK Locally & Nationally, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Get in touch

If you would like to support us or be a part of DocBike UK going forward, we would love to hear from you!

Simply get in touch using the contact form at the bottom of this webpage.