We provide a Free 'Out of Hours' Transportation Service to the NHS and Hospices throughout Yorkshire

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Run by Passionate Volunteers

Despite having Full Time Jobs, many of our members consistently give their spare time to help run and maintain what is a truly worthwhile charity, and an organisation who are intent on making a difference to the Health Organisations throughout Yorkshire.

Saving the NHS Money

We estimate that for each £1 received in donations to the Whiteknights, the NHS will save at least £5. Our volunteers provide the NHS and Hospices with an out of hours service which not only saves a substantial amount of money, but money that can be passed on to provide funding for more appropriate frontline patient care.

In need of an Emergency Delivery?

If you are an organisation who don’t yet have an SLA in place with us, but require emergency assistance or for us to act as a relay with another Blood Bike Group, please either call our Emergency Dispatch Call Centre: Telephone: 01733 741948 or our Chairman, Andrew Foster Mobile: 07970 224420

What we do and why:

During normal working hours, the NHS and Charitable Health Organisations use their own transportation systems to move Blood, Plasma, Tissue Samples, Documentation and other vital supplies between Hospitals, Hospices and Supply Centres.

Out of hours these systems maybe limited, and the hospitals reliance can fall upon private hire taxi companies, commercial couriers and in exceptional circumstances, hospitals may have used emergency services such as the Police or Ambulance services.

This is a huge cost to the NHS and Charitable Health Organisations and this is where the Whiteknights Service Provision comes into its own. Our volunteers provide an out of hours service which not only saves a substantial amount of money, but money that can be passed on to provide more appropriate frontline patient care. We estimate that for each £1 received in donations to the Whiteknights, the NHS will save at least £5.

We are just one of many Charitable Associations that provide a similar service around the United Kingdom and we are governed and overseen by the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes NABB who share our mission to provide reliable, free and high quality provision to NHS trusts and hospices throughout the UK.

Our service is Free of Charge and operates out of hours through the night, Monday to Thursday 7pm to 7am and Friday 7pm all the way through the weekend until 7am Monday morning. We operate a Full 24hr Service during Bank Holidays including the Festive Period (Christmas and Boxing Day) and New Year’s Day.

Despite having Full Time Jobs, many of our members still give their spare time to help run and maintain what is a truly worthwhile charity, and an organization who are intent on making a difference.

The Importance of Fundraising

Fundraising is an essential part to any charity and Whiteknights is no exception to the rule. We have a fleet of 7 bikes to continuously run and maintain, with an approximate cost of £5-6k per bike annually. Donations either large or small are always gratefully received.

Since the charity was set up in 2008, we have seen significant growth to our service with major NHS trusts and Hospices seeing the huge benefit of our service provision in the Yorkshire Region.

Our mission is to further develop our offering and to maintain a professional and reliable ‘out of hours service’ to aid and assist the overstretched NHS in Yorkshire. This is a huge undertaking for our charity as we rely solely on the huge generosity of the general public, local businesses that support us and our own members.

We continually strive to find new ways of improving the service to our customers and even the way we raise the funds to support and run it. We therefore are always looking for suggestions or innovative ideas.

Coming Soon… Announcing the appearance of Whiteknights Angels…

12

Apr

York family presents a donated Blood Car to Yorkshire Charity…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

The family of a post-war era, North York Moors AA Patrol Man has presented a donated Blood Car to Whiteknights, the Yorkshire Emergency Voluntary Blood Bike charity.

Bertil Wilson, patrolled the North York Moors for 35 years from the 50’s to the 80’s, initially on a motorbike and sidecar and was renown in his local community.

In memory of his father, Peter donated the Skoda Fabia Blood Car named, “Boy Wilson” in Bertil’s honour.

At the unveiling at York Hospital today Peter and his wife Maggie were presented with a “Whiteknights Champions” award in recognition of their generosity.

The car will be used to transport urgent blood specimen samples, donated breast milk, and urgent medications by volunteer drivers at no cost to the NHS.

The Yorkshire Blood Bike charity is reliant on cars during adverse weather conditions too dangerous to use their fleet of motorcycles. Prior to this donation volunteers were using their own vehicles in freezing winter temperatures.

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes made over 3000 urgent deliveries last year for hospitals and hospices and travelled more than 80,000 miles around the region.

Pictured at the unveiling from the York Hospital Trust: Jenny Fullthorpe, Krishnan Sharma, Joanna Andrew. Whiteknights Volunteers: Mike Harrison and Andy Richardson are alongside the vehicle’s donors, Peter and Maggie Wilson.

11

Apr

MEDIA PHOTOCALL NOTICE: 12/2/24 2pm York Hospital.

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

York family present a donated Blood Car to Yorkshire Charity.

The family of a legendary post-war era, North York Moors, AA Patrol Man will tomorrow present a donated Blood Car to Whiteknights, the emergency voluntary blood bike charity.

Bertil Wilson patrolled the North York Moors on a motorbike and sidecar for 35 years from the 1950’s to the 1980’s and was renown in his local community.

His son Peter will tomorrow donate a liveried Blood Car to the charity named in Bertil’s honour.

The car will be used to transport blood specimen samples, donated breast milk, and medications by volunteer drivers at no cost to the NHS.

15

Mar

Kippax community cash for Blood Bike Charity…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Kippax community members have donated to Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bike to support their urgent deliveries.

The West Yorkshire charity used volunteer motorcyclists to make urgent deliveries of blood samples and medication during the night and at weekends. A voluntary service which is entirely free to the NHS.

Members of the Open House Group at Kippax Methodist Church joined the customers of Auto Spare Kippax to make a donation of over £300.

Pictured is Advanced-Qualified Volunteer Rider, John SIngleton who added : “We really appreciate the generosity of these groups of people from the Kippax community. Every penny we receive goes to providing this vital out of hours service.”

Pictured is Whiteknights Volunteer, John Singleton alongside Ian Wilkinson of Auto Spares Kippax and members of the Kippax Open House Group.

24

Feb

Garforth restaurant supports volunteer Blood Bikers…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bike North Team would like to thank Wasim Aslam of the Aagrah Restaurant, Garforth, Leeds for generously supporting the Yorkshire Blood Bike Charity.

Eleven Whiteknights Volunteer Riders were treated to a complimentary meal at a recent social gathering.

The evening also saw the first appearance of a newly liveried, donated vehicle, which will receive its public unveiling very soon.

Pictured is Whiteknights’ North Yorkshire Regional Manager, Andy Richardson, alongside Wasim Aslam of the Aagrah Restaurant, Garforth.

If you or your business would like to recognise and support our volunteers right across Yorkshire – we’d love to hear from you.

12

Feb

Bumper year for vital service…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes have been analysing the statistics of our voluntary urgent delivery activities for the entire year of 2023.

Below are the total 2023 statistics of our charity’s service to the NHS and to the Hospices we support.We responded to 3254 Urgent call-outs for local patients. Then we participated in 64 national relays alongside our neighbouring Blood Bike Groups to benefit a patient elsewhere in the country.

Isn’t that remarkable? We delivered 2362 Blood and Covid samples, nearly a thousand Pharmacy items and medications for patients and made 32 donated Breast Milk deliveries.

UK Blood Bike groups provide a vital, potentially life-saving service 365 days a year.

The Whiteknights’ fleet of Blood Bikes travelled over ninety thousand miles with almost 5800 volunteer hours on call covering the whole of Yorkshire.

We genuinely believe we have saved the NHS well over £100,000 in urgent transportation costs during 2023.

This voluntary service is entirely reliant on public donations.

Please consider making a donation to us at this time to support us through the winter.

https://www.justgiving.com/whiteknightsyorkshire-bloodbikes

The Whiteknights’ motto: – “We would never presume to have saved a life – but we’re very proud to think we make a real difference.”

29

Jan

York Triumph Owners support Whiteknights

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights would like to thank the members of Yorvik Vikings, the York branch of the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club, for raising £379 in aid of Whiteknights.

A huge thank you. Pictured are Branch Chairman, Rob Huxtable and North Yorkshire Regional Manager, Andy Richardson.

31

Dec

3382 urgent deliveries during 2023 announced…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes would like to wish all our remarkable Volunteers, Friends, Supporters & other Blood Bike Charitable Goups in the UK and abroad – a very happy new year!

As of 7pm tonight we have successfully completed an incredible 3382 urgent deliveries during 2023 for Hospitals and Hospices in Yorkshire. That’s certainly something to celebrate!

Thank you to our volunteers who are on standby to be deployed this New Year’s Eve and during New Year’s Day.

23

Dec

Volunteering Award for South Yorkshire Whiteknights…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes are delighted to receive a recognition award for the countless hours of volunteering by our remarkable Advanced – Qualified, Volunteer Blood Bike Riders.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have awarded us a PROUD Volunteer of the Year Award.

What an excellent way to finish another year of service to the Hospitals and Hospices we support.Thank you for recognising just what we do 365 days a year.

25

Nov

Bradford Restaurant serves up donation to Yorkshire Blood Bikes Charity…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

The Emergency Voluntary Service Charity, Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes have awarded a Bradford business with a fundraising award.

Arshad Mahmood of the Aagrah Midpoint Restaurant received the Whiteknights’ Angels Award from the Yorkshire Charity’s Community Liaison, Chris Parker.

Chris added: “We convey urgent deliveries of blood samples and medications overnight by volunteer motorcyclists for all NHS patients in communities in West Yorkshire.

“We really appreciate the recognition and support from a local business in this way to support our work over the winter months.”

Pictured is Arshad and Chris outside the Aagrah Midpoint Restaurant, Bradford.

06

Nov

Funeral arrangements annouced…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Funeral of Howard Victor (Vic) Siswick  

The celebration of Vic’s life will take place at 13:15 on Thursday 23 November 2023 at Huddersfield Crematorium, Fixby Road, Huddersfield HD2 2JF.  W3Words –  ///dock.bench.follow 

The service will last 45 minutes.   

The family have requested, if possible, that those attending consider wearing a white rose or something white. His coffin will adorned with family flowers, white roses and his blood bike crash helmet.

Donations can be made to support Whiteknights Yorkshire blood bikes via a Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vic-siswick-founder

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes is a charity that Vic founded in 2008 whilst undergoing cancer treatment as he noticed a lack of an urgent transportation service for blood and pathology samples,  “Out of hours.”   

Those attending can either make their way directly to the crematorium, OR one of Vic’s real desirers, which is fully supported by his family is for the cortege to include escort motorcycles in front of and behind the family vehicles. 

Remaining motorcycles from the various groups Vic worked with are being encouraged to form a convoy behind the family cars for the 5 mile journey to the crematorium. (Vic loved to showboat).

Those attending are asked where possible to wear their preferred high-vis event jacket, screen blades etc, so the family get a feel for those in attendance.  Convoy line up will be marked blood bikes then other group representations in any order.

Motorcycles wanting to tag on behind should congregate ‘ready to roll’ by 12:30 at:

 Rookery Lane, Salterhebble, Halifax. HX3 0PZ.    W3Words:  ///movies.poppy.able  

NOTE:  This location is hindered by major roadworks, so allow extra time to get to the RV point.  (Beware of the cobbles when turning left from Salterhebble Hill, plus its a narrow street and need to turn round ready to exit).

To assist the family with catering can those attending the wake please confirm directly with me ASAP.  Please email:  a.laurie@ntlworld.com 

The venue will be confirmed based on potential numbers attending.

Do you want to become a Rider or Driver with Whiteknights?

Riders and drivers are the lifeblood of our organisation, without them we couldn't exist. We are always keen to hear from new prospective riders or drivers. However, before contacting us, we request that you confirm that you fulfil the following essential requirements in order to ride or drive for us:

  • Aged over 30
  • No more than 6 penalty points on your licence
  • Full motorcycle / driving licence (as applicable)
  • Advanced IAM / RoSPA / Police qualification for car or motorcycle (as applicable)
  • Live within 8-10 miles of the locations we serve (See below)
  • Willing to work as a volunteer on a set shift pattern over 3-4 day periods covering overnight (7pm to 7am), and weekends / Bank Holidays for 24hr periods

    • Additional Information:
  • Shifts are agreed on a monthly basis with the area manager and other riders.
  • Motorcyclists will need to provide suitable motorcycle riding equipment: Boots, Trousers, Jacket including 'High Viz' Overjacket marked 'BLOOD', Gloves and plain white Bluetooth helmet. We have preferential rates on certain items of clothing.
Which areas do Whiteknights cover?

We have teams in West, South, North and Mid Yorkshire. To ensure that we can respond quickly to urgent callouts, we would ask that you live within about 8-10 miles of the following areas;

  • West: Halifax / Huddersfield
  • North: York Hospital
  • South: Sheffield General Hospital
  • Mid: Wakefield / Leeds
Where are Riders / Drivers needed?

We need both riders and drivers, which will depend on your area.

  • We use motorcycles to cover the hospitals and other locations within West, North and South Yorkshire
  • We have cars covering the Mid Yorkshire region, to cover regular runs to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance
I am not an advanced Rider / Driver. Where can I get the necessary training?

For both cars and motorcycles, we recognise both the IAM and RoSPA Advanced qualifications. There are local groups across the region to choose from. These include:

RoSPA / RoADAR Groups

West Yorkshire RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (Cars and Motorcycles)

RoSPA / RoADAR Groups

West Yorkshire RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (Cars and Motorcycles)

North Yorkshire Advanced Riders (Motorcycles Only)

South Yorkshire Advanced Drivers (Cars only)

IAM Groups

York Advanced Motorcyclists (Motorcycles Only)

York Advanced Motorists

Sheffield IAM (cars Only)

Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (Motorcycles Only)

Rotherham Advanced Motorcyclists (Motorcycles Only)

Huddersfield Advanced Motorists (Cars Only)

West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists (Motorcycles Only)

How much does Advanced Training cost?

This varies depending on the route you take, and the local group you join. Whilst the below offers a guide to the likely costs, please check with your local group in case there are any changes.


    IAM
  • You can buy the Advanced Driver Course or Advanced Ride Course for £149. This covers the test fee and your first year's membership. More information can be found here: https://www.iamroadsmart.com/membership/become-a-member
  • IAM offer a discount of £15 if you contact them and advise them you are going to ride for a NABB member group
  • There is then an annual membership fee of £32.50. This is in addition to any membership of your local group.

    • RoSPA/RoADAR
  • The cost of the advanced driving test in a car for drivers 25 years and under is £55.00 inc VAT. For drivers 26 years and over it is £60.00 inc VAT
  • The cost of the advanced riding test for riders 25 years and younger is £56.00 inc VAT. For riders 26 years and over it is £66.00 inc VAT
  • Your first years' membership is included within your initial test fee. Each following year's annual subscription will be £28.00
  • These subscription fees are separate from any subscription fees to local RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders Groups

To keep your RoSPA / RoADAR membership current, you will need to take a 3 yearly re-test. The re-test fee is included in your yearly subscription costs, so there is no extra cost as long as your subscription is kept up to date.

info@whiteknights.org.uk | Tel: 07970 224420 | Registered Charity No. 1124510

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, Hamnett House, Gibbet Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX2 0AX