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…

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.

27

Oct

Whiteknights’ Founder Dies aged 76…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

It is with deepest sympathy that Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes announce the death today of Vic Siswick, Honourary Founding Member of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes.

Vic died following a period of illness at the age of 76.

He was an inspiring leader, a highly committed supporter of the NHS and an excellent motorcyclist riding for Blood Bikes and the NEG. All Whiteknights today pay tribute to Vic.

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

16

Oct

Volunteer Yorkshire Blood Bikers receive major donation…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Volunteer Blood Bikers in Leeds have received a major donation from a church in Alwoodley.

Alwoodley Park Methodist Church raised £2000 to support the operational costs of providing the “Free to the NHS” urgent transport service.

Andrew Foster, the Chairman of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes commented: “This donation is one of the largest we have received during 2023 and will help to keep our voluntary service of delivering urgent blood samples for testing on the road this autumn.”

Pictured presenting a “Whiteknights’ Fundraising Champions” certificate is Volunteer Rider Adam, alongside, Judith Jackson, Gill Mason and Rob Garlick from Alwoodley Park Methodist Church.

02

Oct

Great service for Blood Bike’s mechanical service…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes South Yorkshire Team would like to thank Revs N Relics for servicing our BMW F800GT Blood Bike free of charge to support our charity.
Thank you guys it’s very much appreciated!

11

Aug

St Luke’s thank Sheffield’s Blood Bikers…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Medical staff at St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield have commemorated National Blood Bike day by thanking the volunteer bikers who have greatly contributed to the care of their patients.

“Whiteknights transport Blood Samples and medications from the Hospice to patients’ homes. Before Whiteknights began supporting us, these journeys were made for us by taxis at considerable expense for the St Luke’s charity,” said Ward Sister Sheila Turner.

“A major benefit to us,” added Sister Gemma Sharp, “ is that if a Doctor makes a request out-of-hours, it was often a challenge to arrange obtaining that item – now we just call Whiteknights to make the delivery. We hugely appreciate their voluntary service.”

Pictured are Whiteknights Volunteer Blood Bikers, alongside Sister Gemma Sharp and Sister Sheila Turner.

11

Aug

Partnerships valued on Blood Bike Day…

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

The theme for National Blood Bike Day is Partnerships. One key relationship for Whiteknights is the service we offer to Overgate Hospice in Elland.

“Whiteknights transport Blood Samples and medications for the Hospice,” said interim Chief Executive Officer, Tracey Wilcocks.

“It’s a very reliable service that we have grown to rely on. When we request a Blood Bike their arrival is always very prompt. We hugely appreciate their voluntary service.”

Pictured are Whiteknights Volunteer Blood Bikers, alongside, Dr Rhona Parrish and Tracey Wilcocks.

11

Aug

Volunteer Blood Bikers go the extra mile for Yorkshire’s Hospices

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Medical staff at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds have commemorated National Blood Bike day by thanking the volunteer bikers who make free, urgent deliveries for them.

Riders from Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes transport urgent blood samples to the hospital for testing and medications from the hospice to patients, during the night and around the clock at weekends.Dr Karen Neoh, Consultant in Palliative Medicine said; “We really appreciate the volunteer service from Whiteknights. Being able to do blood tests to guide patient management and to have them collected and processed in a timely manner Out-of-hours is really helpful for us.“

Pictured are Whiteknights Volunteer Blood Bikers, John Singleton and Andy Richardson are thanked by Dr Karen Neoh, Sam Trenamen, Eleanor Adey at St Gemma’s Hospice Leeds.

10

Aug

Please donate to Whiteknights this Blood Bike Day….

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

Whiteknights would really appreciate a donation to support our voluntary service at this time.

Please donate through our official Just Giving Page to support the Yorkshire Blood Bike service this National Blood Bike Day.

Thank you.

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

09

Aug

Blood Bike riders escape dangerous punctures from discarded E-cigarette devices.

Posted by Matthew Beynon-Tullet

West Yorkshire Volunteer Blood Bike riders are appealing to the public to dispose of Vaping E-cigarette devices safely following life-threatening motorcycle punctures whilst making urgent deliveries.

The Yorkshire Blood Bike charity provides a free, urgent delivery service, during the night and at weekends to transport urgently required medications and patient blood samples for testing.

Andrew Foster, The Chairman of the Blood Bike charity which has 60 volunteer riders in the county said: “Friday 11th August is National Blood Bike day and we are using this opportunity to appeal to the public not to discard vaping devices onto the roads. Our riders have experienced potentially life-threatening moments when they have ridden over these devices at night causing dangerous punctures on our Blood Bikes.

Volunteer rider Laurence said: “We make urgent deliveries for hospitals and hospices free-of-charge during the night when it’s often impossible to see these devices on the road surface. When I rode over the e-cigarette whilst making an urgent delivery, it deflated the tyre of the blood bike almost instantly, very nearly throwing me from the motorcycle. Please dispose of the devices safely.”

In July, Whiteknights’ riders responded to more than 300 urgent call-outs. The fleet of Blood Bikes travel 60,000 every year.

Volunteer Blood Bikers with their Blood Bike motorcycles are available for interview this Blood Bike day, Friday 11th August.

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