Funds to be raised at Carlisle United's match against Harrogate Town

Two motorcycles with riders and fundraisers will be at the game at Brunton Park and taking donations via a bucket collection. 

READ MORE: Chef who worked for royals attacked delivery driver like 'marauding bull'

Blood Bikes provide a free, efficient medical transportation service to primarily aid North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. It owns six liveried motorbikes and five liveried cars based at four locations throughout northern Cumbria.

It carries urgently needed blood, samples, human tissues, breast milk, medical records and other medical requirements between hospitals and blood transfusion banks as required by the NHS.

They cover Carlisle, Eden, Allerdale and Copeland council areas of Cumbria, from Millom in the south of the county to Hexham in the east and Keswick, Penrith and Appleby.

The group is self-funded and members give their time freely. This saves hospitals thousands of pounds over the year, enabling them to fund other services. 

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "We are delighted to help Blood Bikes and hope our fans can be generous in helping raise funds to support the vital service in our local community that saves lives and saves the NHS money.”

Tony Rutherford, chairperson of Blood Bikes Cumbria, said: "We would sincerely like to thank the players, staff and Carlisle United fans for giving our charity the opportunity to increase our local profile with you ahead of Saturday's game. Thank you.”