The North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust has given thanks to those who provide the vital service of blood bikes to people in need.

The blood bikes have had a tremendous impact on patient care over the past seven years.

Steve Hurd Haematology Team Manager, Blood Sciences at the Cumberland Infirmary, said: “Blood Bikes Cumbria first approached us in 2014, initially through the Transfusion department, and this quickly developed into supporting Blood Sciences with out of hours cross-site delivery of urgent samples on a nightly basis.

“The team of volunteers have continued to expand their role and have maintained provision of scheduled runs and an urgent call out service.”

The group is made up of volunteers who provide an out of hours medical courier service.

They provide packages to hospitals that are under the trust’s care and also ensure the daily delivery of blood and plasma supplies to the Great North Air Ambulance.

They have so far this year completed over 81,900 miles which is more than travelling around the globe twice.

Graeme Thompson, Operations Manager for Blood Bikes Cumbria, said: “In 2020 Blood Bikes Cumbria carried out almost 2,000 runs collecting from 45 separate locations and so far this year we have already completed over 1300 (runs).

“Our team of controllers, fundraisers, advanced riders and drivers are all dedicated volunteers who give up their time, 365 days a year, to help ease some of the pressure on the numerous medical teams by transporting essential packages.

“The team at Blood Bikes Cumbria have very strong working relationships with over 20 departments that we serve and are grateful for the hard work these teams put in every single day, many behind the scenes to provide a first rate level of care to the communities in and around Cumbria.”

As well as delivering blood the team also provide many other essential supplies like medication, breast milk and medical documents.

No one in the group is paid and they rely solely on charitable donations to keep their work going.

The team have said that they are very grateful to the people of Cumbria who have helped by donating towards the running costs.

Allowing them to provide the essential facilities to North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Mr Hurd added: “I urge you; our Cumbrian community to get behind the group in any way you can as they have had our backs over the last seven years.”