Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bike have today unveiled the latest addition to their Blood Bike Motorcycle Fleet.
Former Leeds Lord Mayor, Mr Keith Loudon OBE, handed over the keys to the Honda motorcycle to Advanced-Qualified Volunteer Whiteknights Rider, John Driscoll.
Mr Loudon, who named the bike in memory of his late wife and former Leeds Lord Mayor’s Consort, Betty Loudon, said that she would have been thrilled to be commemorated in this way.
“Betty was very supportive of my business and community activities. She was excellent at taking an interest in the people of Leeds and was very approachable,” said Mr Loudon – who served with Leeds City Council for over forty years.
“Whiteknights first came to my attention when I learned that one of their blood bikes had been severely damaged in a accident. This resulted in their volunteers being without a motorcycle to conduct their urgent deliveries for the NHS – which they do completely free of charge overnight and at weekends.
“It has been my pleasure to donate towards the cost of replacing a bike for this West Yorkshire Charity. To see the bike in its reflective livery out on the roads of Leeds serving local people is absolutely marvellous.
”The Chairman of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, Andrew Foster added: ‘We are extremely grateful for Mr Loudon’s support and generosity. Our fleet of Blood Bikes cover thousands of miles annually and we operate entirely on donations from the public.
“The Betty Loudon Blood Bike is now operational serving hospitals and hospices in the Leeds and York area.”
Pictured at the key handover is John Driscoll and Keith Loudon OBE.
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