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 many of our members having Full Time jobs, volunteers regularly give their spare time to help run and maintain what is a truly worthwhile charity -an organisation intent on making a difference to 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 a Service Level Agreement in place with Whiteknights, but require emergency assistance, or for us to act as a relay with another Blood Bike Group, please call us on: 0800 101 7800 or email: react@whiteknights.org.uk

Existing service users should already have a user account for our online dispatch system, React.

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 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 many of our members having Full Time Jobs, our unpaid volunteers still give their spare time to help run and maintain what is a truly worthwhile charity, and an organization intent on making a real difference to the care of patients.

The Importance of Fundraising

Fundraising is an essential part to any charity.  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. We have no staff or premises to fund – donations from the public go directly into providing the operational Blood Bike service.

Since the charity was created in 2008, we have seen significant growth to our service with major NHS Foundation Trusts and Hospices realising the huge benefit of the service we provide in the Yorkshire Region.

Our mission is to further develop the service we provide and to maintain a professional and reliable ‘out of hours service’. We believe we can fundamentally 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 and local businesses that support us.

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.

Why not become an official fundraising partner for Whiteknights and acheive the status of “Whiteknights Angels…”

11

Apr

West Yorkshire Mark Master Masons Launch New Blood Bike…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

The Yorkshire Blood Bike charity, Whiteknights, has launched its newest Blood Bike into service. 

The keys to this latest addition to their fleet of volunteer- ridden Blood Bikes were presented at this year’s Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting of the Mark Master Masons of West Yorkshire, held at Bradford Grammar School. 

The Honda NT1100 motorcycle will make urgent deliveries at night and at weekends, free of charge to hospitals and hospices throughout West Yorkshire.

Speaking at the launch, Provincial Grand Master, Trevor Bolton said:

“We’re delighted to see this much needed Blood Bike go into service today to benefit the care and treatment of local patients in our community. 

“The bike was purchased through the national Mark Mason Benevolent Fund which donated £750,000 to the 36 Blood Bike Charities across the country- enabling their fleet of vehicles to be updated and replaced.

“The Whiteknights’ fleet of Blood Bikes and response cars travel in excess of 90,000 miles on Yorkshire roads each year. I have no doubt this new motorcycle will be instrumental in supporting the NHS and saving lives,” said Trevor.

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes transport urgent Blood specimens; medications donated breast milk and vital supplies.

They have 50 volunteer motorcyclists who willingly ride through the night and at weekends to provide the service. The Blood Bike charity, which responded to 3000 call-outs last year, recently received the MBE for Voluntary Groups – The Kings Award For Voluntary Service.

Regional Manager for Whiteknights West Yorkshire, Matthew Butterfield said: “We’re delighted to have received this new bike. The demand for our service is continuing to expand which has placed additional pressure on our fleet of motorcycles. The Masons have historically been long-time supporters of our charity and all that we aim to achieve. It’s hugely appreciated to receive this recognition of our urgent voluntary service.

Pictured left to right : Asst Provincial Grand Master, Philip Oldfield, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Andrew Brown, Whiteknights Community Liaison, Chris Parker, Asst Provincial Grand Master, Gary Parker  and Provincial Grand Master Trevor Bolton.

07

Mar

A Tasty Treat for Whiteknights..

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Its saucepans at the ready as the ladies from Addingham Methodist Friendship Group have been cooking pancakes in aid of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes.

We are delighted to announce that their culinary creations raised £900 in aid of the Yorkshire Blood Bike charity. That’s a tremendous result that we really appreciate.

Pictured are Rev Shannon Delaureal, Fiona Walton, Whiteknight Colin Barnes and Margaret Norris.

23

Nov

New Portal for Customers…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes have announced their new Customer Portal is ready for service.

The REACT Customer Portal will enable customers to log directly into the Whiteknights dispatch system to request Blood Bike delivery services.

The new system, which replaces their Call Centre facility can be accessed at: react.whiteknights.org.uk

Whiteknights have today also released a training video instructing how to use the Customer Portal.

29

Sep

Former Leeds Lord Mayor launches Blood Bike into service…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

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.

Keith Loudon OBE with the Betty Blood Bike

All reactions:11

04

Jul

Hillards Trust fund reflective safety livery…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

The Yorkshire Blood Bike charity, Whiteknights, has announced its latest Blood Bike will be adorned with reflective, high-visibility livery thanks to a Yorkshire based grant-making Charitable Trust.

Gay and Peter Hartley’s Hillards Charitable Trust has donated £1000 to equip the voluntary service Blood Bike before it is launched into service later this month.

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes transport urgent Blood specimens, medications and donated breast milk completely free of charge to hospitals and hospitals across Yorkshire.

They have 50 volunteer motorcyclists who willingly ride through the night and at weekends to provide the service. Earlier this year, the charity, which responded to 3000 call-outs last year, received the MBE for Voluntary Groups – The 2024 Kings Award For Voluntary Service.

Regional Manager for Whiteknights West Yorkshire, Matthew Butterfield said: “We’re delighted to receive this donation from the Hillards Trust. High-visibility reflective livery on our small fleet of Blood Bike is essential for the operational safety of our volunteers and of the urgent items we transport.

“The livery will be added to a motorcycle which has been generously donated by a member of the public. We appreciate every gesture of giving we receive to enable our charity to support the care and treatment of patients in our region.

“Today we have presented the Hillards Charitable Trust with a Whiteknights Champions Award in recognition of their much needed support.”

Pictured are Whiteknights volunteer rider, Colin Barnes, Hillards Trust Secretary, Helena Wyles, and Whiteknights’ Manager, Matthew Butterfield.

30

May

Halifax Financial Planners launch new car for Voluntary Service.

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes has unveiled a new car to transport urgent blood and pathology samples, medication and donated breast milk around the region.

The Halifax-based charity, which received the Kings Award For Voluntary Service earlier this year, has 25 volunteer Blood Bike Riders in West Yorkshire who will now use the car in adverse weather conditions or when larger consignments require urgent delivery.

The new Dacia car has been jointly purchased by Halifax Financial Planners, Investing For Tomorrow. It’s Director, Toby Turner said at the unveiling; “ We’re delighted to see the car, now in its reflective livery, launched into service.

“Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes travel thousands of miles annually across the region making urgent deliveries during the night and at weekends. This is done at no charge or cost to the NHS.

“It’s a remarkable service run entirely by volunteers to benefit hospital and hospice patients. We’re thrilled that the car we jointly purchased, will support their work in the community for years to come.”

West Yorkshire Regional Manager for Whiteknights, Matthew Butterfield added:

“We really appreciate the level of support we have received from Investing For Tomorrow.

Not only have we previously received sponsorship for a Blood Bike motorcycle, but it’s the on-going understanding of the service we provide that our charity values too.

“We are not funded in any way by the NHS – which is a common misconception. So its excellent to receive recognition and support from a local Halifax business.”

At the unveiling it was announced the car is to be named in remembrance of a former Whiteknights West Yorkshire volunteer rider, Maurice Greenwood.

Pictured: from Investing For Tomorrow, Callum Mulready, Naomi Grierson, Toby Turner, Laurence Turner and Matthew Butterfield from Whiteknights.

25

May

Widows Sons Lodge support their sponsored Blood Bike…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Members of the Widows Sons Masonic Biker Lodge have announced their continued sponsorship of the official Widows Sons Lodge Blood Bike.

Ian Gregson, Worshipful Master of the Widows Sons Lodge in the Province of Yorkshire North and East Riding, presented another donation of £3000 to Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes Advanced Qualified Rider, John Driscoll.

Ian said, “We are extremely proud of the service to patients that the Widows Sons Blood Bike delivers in the North Yorkshire area. This will be the third donation we have made to support the motorcycle.

We are also delighted with the news that Whiteknights have been awarded the Kings Award For Voluntary Service. It’s very much deserved, the volunteers do a remarkable job 365 days a year.”

John presented Ian with a Whiteknights Champions certificate to recognise their fundraising contributions to the Yorkshire Blood Bike charity.

18

Apr

Every Little helps….

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Thank you to colleagues & customers at Tesco Store Brighouse for presenting Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes with £384 raised through charitable book sales.
We appreciate all the support we receive in the West Yorkshire community.

21

Mar

Award from King Charles received…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

On Friday evening Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes were presented with our Kings Award For Voluntary Service – the MBE for Voluntary Groups.

HM Lord-Lieutenant For West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE presented the Award with a hand-signed certificate from King Charles III to our Chairman, Andrew Foster.Other guest dignitaries attending were two Deputy Lieutenants, The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire and the Mayor of Calderdale.

Thank you to Birties Events in Elland for excellent hospitality.

03

Feb

Dewsbury Rockers MC receive Blood Bike fundraising award…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Members of the Dewsbury Rockers Motorcycle Club have become “Whiteknights Angels” in recognition of their fundraising.

The Yorkshire Blood Bike charity, Whiteknights presented the fundraising award to Paul Morley and Catherine Foster.

West Yorkshire Manager for Whiteknights, Matthew Butterfield said: “After more than a year of fundraising, we very much appreciate the donation of £500 to support our voluntary service. They really deserve the award.”

Pictured from Whiteknights are Matthew Butterfield and Laurence Turner alongside Paul and Catherine from Dewsbury Rockers Motorcycle club.

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: 0800 1017800 | Registered Charity No. 1124510

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