RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) has been appointed by St John Ambulance as a vehicle maintenance provider for the East Midlands region.

The Renault dealer, which has sites in Nottingham, Cossington, Alfreton and Northampton will be on hand to ensure the charity’s vehicles are in safe working condition and can continue to work on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19.

The first aid charity relies on its volunteers and donations to operate. In response to the pandemic, thousands of volunteers are currently working with the NHS to help alleviate some of the pressure on resources, both in hospitals and on the roads.

Around 100 front-line ambulances have been allocated each day to work alongside NHS Ambulance Services across the country, supporting 999 calls and transporting patients to and from the hospitals.

Having previously worked with St John Ambulance, RHCV has provided maintenance support for the charity for a number of years. Offering roadside assistance and workshop repairs, the Renault Trucks dealership are helping to ensure St John Ambulance can continue to offer its support to the NHS.  

Richard Clarke, regional fleet coordinator for the East Region at St John Ambulance, said: “This is a crucial time for us, being able to assist the NHS when they need it most.

“Our ambulance services are a vital part of our role in the fight against COVID-19. It is essential that our vehicles are in working order and able to operate.  

“Because of the nature of what we do, we need to rely on a workshop that can deliver a quick and efficient service, minimising our vehicle down time. Our ambulances are never too far away from one of RHCV’s sites, making them perfect for us.”

Paul Pearson, commercial director at RHCV, added: “All of the voluntary services, such as St John Ambulance, are the unsung heroes at this time.

“The charity’s team of volunteers and staff do an incredible job, working every day to support the NHS when its services are stretched.

“We are honoured to do our bit and help the people fighting on the frontline. We want to continue to support St John Ambulance as much as possible by ensuring its vehicles can continue to operate when they are needed most.”

Similarly, to most charities, St John Ambulance relies on fundraising events for its income. As a result of the pandemic, these events have been cancelled or postponed.

In response, the charity has recently launched an emergency fundraising appeal #SaveLivesTogether. With a goal of £6 million, the money raised will support St John Ambulance’s work through the pandemic and secure its future.

RHCV is very much open for business, despite the pandemic. As well as St John Ambulance, the truck dealer is still providing maintenance and repairs for other ambulance services and essential vehicles delivering goods such as food, it said.

RHCV is an authorised distributor for Renault Trucks and provides new and used sales, service and parts for the full Renault Trucks range as well as all-makes parts and servicing for commercial vehicles. The business also provides a range of rental/lease options through sister company RH Rentals.

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