Life-saving heroes who always deliver
As they proudly mark a milestone moment in their history, we admire the commitment of the Norfolk Blood Bikes team, who provide our county with a rapid response courier service like no other
The Blood Bikes’ bold motto ‘we go no matter what!’ truly reflects their dedication. Regardless of rain, snow, ice or gales, no mission is deemed impossible, no request is ever refused and they never fail to get through to deliver their precious cargo.
These devoted volunteers assist the NHS by transporting blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines, donor breast milk and other urgently required medical items to hospitals across Norfolk and to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Their efforts are sustained by contributions flowing from all corners of the county, with heartwarming gifts, sponsorships and donations from countless organisations and caring individuals keeping this lifesaving service on the road.
The inspirational Norfolk Blood Bikes story began in 2011 when a group of local motorcycling enthusiasts realised hospitals needed an efficient means of transporting blood and essential supplies outside of regular working hours. Starting with two second-hand bikes, a small volunteer team and a shared desire to make a difference, the service was launched at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. Today, nearly 100 members contribute, engaging in fundraising, riding, driving, coordinating and collaborating as a cohesive team.
A major milestone was reached just before Christmas, illustrating the remarkable impact the charity has made since its inception.
“Reflecting on our early days, when we only carried out a few hundred deliveries annually, it’s astonishing to think that within just 13 years we’ve completed our 20,000th!” Chairman Sandy Gourlay explains. “While we don’t always know exactly what we are carrying, or the number of people who will benefit, all our volunteers take immense pride in knowing we have positively impacted thousands of lives and supported the NHS and Air Ambulance heroes.”
The Blood Bikes’ bold motto ‘we go no matter what!’ truly reflects their dedication. Regardless of rain, snow, ice or gales, no mission is deemed impossible, no request is ever refused and they never fail to get through to deliver their precious cargo.
These devoted volunteers assist the NHS by transporting blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines, donor breast milk and other urgently required medical items to hospitals across Norfolk and to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Their efforts are sustained by contributions flowing from all corners of the county, with heartwarming gifts, sponsorships and donations from countless organisations and caring individuals keeping this lifesaving service on the road.
The inspirational Norfolk Blood Bikes story began in 2011 when a group of local motorcycling enthusiasts realised hospitals needed an efficient means of transporting blood and essential supplies outside of regular working hours. Starting with two second-hand bikes, a small volunteer team and a shared desire to make a difference, the service was launched at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. Today, nearly 100 members contribute, engaging in fundraising, riding, driving, coordinating and collaborating as a cohesive team.
A major milestone was reached just before Christmas, illustrating the remarkable impact the charity has made since its inception.
PHOTOS: Norfolk Blood Bikes Chairman, Sandy Gourlay (right). The Royal Warrant Holders Association at Sandringham donated sufficient funds to Norfolk Blood Bikes to replace a well-used car, with King Charles personally attending the presentation (below).
“Reflecting on our early days, when we only carried out a few hundred deliveries annually, it’s astonishing to think that within just 13 years we’ve completed our 20,000th!” Chairman Sandy Gourlay explains. “While we don’t always know exactly what we are carrying, or the number of people who will benefit, all our volunteers take immense pride in knowing we have positively impacted thousands of lives and supported the NHS and Air Ambulance heroes.”
The team operates a fleet of 16 liveried bikes and five cars between 7pm and 7am seven days a week, covering an astounding 150,000 miles a year. Maintaining, insuring and keeping the vehicles on the road costs an eye-watering £6,000 a month, highlighting the importance of fundraising efforts.
“We would not be where we are today without the support of the wonderful people of Norfolk,” Sandy adds. “The generosity is quite incredible. It comes not only from businesses and organisations; caring communities often get together to organise events like bingo evenings, quizzes or bazaars and there are individuals with personal reasons for contributing. Every donation, large or small, is appreciated with heartfelt thanks.”
Support for the Norfolk Blood Bikes has poured in from a number of notable sources and passionate local groups. The Royal Warrant Holders Association at Sandringham donated sufficient funds to replace one of the well-used cars, with King Charles personally attending the presentation. Donations from the National Lottery and West Norfolk Lives Matter have also helped the team to update their fleet, enhancing their ability to provide the swiftest service possible.
In addition to the Norfolk hospitals, Blood Bikes volunteers travel to the blood transfusion centre at Addenbrookes. Since the Air Ambulance began carrying a doctor on flights, they have made daily deliveries to ensure a fresh supply of blood is always on board.
Whilst motorbikes are the fastest means of crossing a rural county with no major motorways, the charity’s cars prove indispensable when conditions are unsafe for two-wheel travel or temperatures could compromise products.
PICTURE: The Royal Warrant Holders Association at Sandringham donated sufficient funds to Norfolk Blood Bikes to replace a well-used car, with King Charles personally attending the presentation. © Nick Farrow – Farrows Ltd
“Norfolk Blood Bikes started with two ex-police bikes and organised a ride to raise money to get the service off the ground,” recalls founder member Ian Coleman. “It has now evolved into a very professional operation involving many people, not just those in frontline roles. We appreciate the families who selflessly support us in the background, even though their nights could be disrupted by a 3am call-out!”
Epitomising their pledge to deliver no matter what, fellow long serving, Andy Plane, will never forget his first ‘shout’. “I was driving from Addenbrookes to Norwich hospital with platelets for a baby when a deer ran out and hit me,” he recalls. “My car was damaged, but I managed to carry on and make the delivery. Thankfully, things have been less eventful since.”
The team enjoys the humbling experience of meeting people they have helped from time to time, and it’s not unusual for gifts to arrive from appreciative friends or relatives.
One particularly memorable case involved Caitlin, a miracle baby born 17 weeks premature. The Blood Bikes team delivered the blood and platelets needed for her life-saving transfusions over a weekend, and the grateful family subsequently became fundraisers.
“Meeting that family was a special moment for everyone,” says Sandy. “At times like that we are reminded we are doing something incredibly worthwhile. It is what we are all about.”
To find out more about the charity’s amazing work visit norfolkbloodbikes.org.uk or follow the team on Facebook.