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…

16

Oct

Blood Bike gets a winter coat….

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes would like to express our sincere appreciation to a local member of the Yorkshire motorcycle industry.

Simon Scholey of www.spsmotorbikedetailing.co.uk has recognised the vital importance of the work of our charity and wanted to make a significant contribution to support what we do.

Simon has provided The Widows Sons Blood Bike with with a remarkable transformation. Having now covered almost 24000 of operational service, the bike has been deployed in all weather conditions in the North Yorkshire and Leeds areas.

Simon at SPS Motorbike Detailing has provided a thorough deep-clean and then has Ceramic Coated the motorcycle to protect it against whatever the weather throws at it this winter.

Following the extensive detailing and Ceramic treatment, The Widows Sons Blood Bike looks as good as new again.

We are absolutely thrilled that someone should take such care and attention to support our fleet and to do so completely free of charge.

Thanks again Simon – you’ve worked wonders.

For more information about SPS Motorbike Detailing use the links or visit: www.spsmotorbikedetailing.co.uk http://www.spsmotorbikedetailing.co.uk

Pictured are Simon from SPS and Whiteknights’ Advanced-Qualified Volunteer Rider, Mike Harrison, taking the bike back into service following its ceramic treatment.

02

Sep

In memory of Maurice Greenwood.

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

It is with great sadness that Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes announce the death of Whiteknight, Maurice Greenwood.

He was a dedicated Blood Biker and motorcyclist who made a substantial contribution to the work of our charity.

We express our sincere condolences to Maurice’s family at this time.

He will be greatly missed.

09

Aug

Blood Biker For A Day visits CRH Pathology Laboratory…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Her time as a, Blood Biker For A Day, is now coming to a close. It’s been a packed itinerary.

High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Prof. Adeeba Malik has arrived at the one department where Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes deploy volunteers most frequently.

She is receiving a guided tour in Pathology by Calderdale Royal Hospital’s Senior Bio Medical Scientist, Micheal Pearson.

National Blood Bike Awareness Day is an excellent opportunity for our volunteers and collaborating clinical staff to take stock of just how much we achieve with our volunteering 365 days a year.

If you have been inspired to support the work of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, please consider making a donation.

We would also like to hear from people who might be able to volunteer for us – either by riding, driving or attending fundraising events.

Thank you for joining us for Blood Bike Day 2024.

The just giving link is below.https://www.justgiving.com/whiteknightsyorkshire-bloodbikes

09

Aug

CRH Neonatal Milk Bank praise Whiteknights…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

For Blood Bike day 2024 Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes are are taking the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Prof. Malik to see two of the hospital departments at Calderdale Royal Hospital, which we are proud to support with an urgent delivery service on a nightly basis.

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes regularly respond to, on average, 300 urgent call-outs each month.

Pictured in the Neonatal Unit are Prof. Malik, Jo-ann Cornelly, Clinical Nurse Manager and Steph Padden, Family Support Assistant.

Steph is explaining how the donated Breast Milk Bank operates at CRH and how much they appreciate Whiteknights collecting milk from their donors and delivering to the Neonatal unit.

Prof Malik later went on to visit a lady who had donated over 200 litres of breast milk during the first year since here child’s birth.

09

Aug

High Sheriff becomes Blood Biker for a day…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Time to reveal our very special guest for Blood Bike Day 2024 on the Yorkshire Blood Bikes Facebook Page.

Introducing the King’s Representative in West Yorkshire, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL.

Professor Malik, West Yorkshire’s first Asian female High Sheriff, wanted to experience and to see for herself how Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes Volunteers, “GO BEYOND” to regularly exceed expectations with our remarkable volunteering to support hospitals and hospices.

Join Professor Malik as she takes to West Yorkshire Roads as a Pillion Passenger riding alongside an on-call Yorkshire Blood Bike.

Join us again later to see her progress.

Ready to deploy as an honourary Blood Biker: Piloted by Steve Harker, Professor Adeeba Malik and On-call Advanced-Qualified Volunteer Rider, Stu Stirrat

09

Aug

Blood Bike Day 2024

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Welcome to National Blood Bike Awareness Day 2024 on the Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood BIkes Facebook Page.

This year’s theme is “Going Beyond”. We are very excited to have a special guest Blood Biker joining us today to see at first hand, how our remarkable volunteers “Go Beyond” 365 days a year to support patients, hospitals and hospices in Yorkshire.

Follow us throughout the day to learn more about the voluntary work of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes.

24

May

Donated Car launched into service in Leeds…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Yorkshire family donates Blood Car to Yorkshire Charity.

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

Bertil Wilson, patrolled the North Yorkshire Moors from the 1950’s to the 1980’s, initially on a motorbike and sidecar and was renown in his local community.

His son Peter added: “As an AA Rider, my dad went out in all weathers all year round – just like Yorkshire Blood Bike Riders do. So I thought it would be a nice touch to name the car we have donated in his honour. I think he would have been chuffed to bits really – the “Boy Wilson” Blood car looks brilliant now it has its high-vis graphics on.”

The car, which was unveiled in Leeds at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, will be used to transport urgent blood specimen samples, donated breast milk, and urgent medications by volunteer drivers at no cost to Hospices and the NHS.

Regional Manager for Whiteknights, Andy Richardson said, “We’re delighted to have a car to use during adverse weather conditions and national relays. Prior to this donation volunteers were using their own vehicles in freezing winter temperatures when it was unsafe to use our fleet of motorcycles.”

Whiteknights began collecting samples from Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley in 2021.

The hospice provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition.

Paul Musgrave, Service Director at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said:

“We’re so grateful for this fantastic free service that Whiteknights provide. Being able to carry out important tests and to know that samples will be collected and processed out of hours is extremely important to us. It means we can carry on providing the best possible palliative care and be there when it matters for the people of Leeds.”

Pictured are Healthcare Assistants, Beth Parry and Carole Moore, Senior Therapy Assistant, Liz Pallister, Wheatfields Hospice Service Director, Paul Musgrave alongside Whiteknights Volunteers, Adam Meek and Andy Richardson.

For more information on Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/Wheatfields

Donations can be made via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/sueryder

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.

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