A lifesaving charity will be at Brunton Park on Saturday aiming to raise funds and awareness – and attract new volunteers.

Blood Bikes Cumbria will be in Carlisle United’s fanzone before the League Two game against Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

The self-funded charity is hoping Blues fans will rally to their cause and support their vital work.

The charity provides free ‘out of hours’ cover for the NHS, transporting blood and laboratory samples throughout Cumbria and from the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle to specialist laboratories in Newcastle.

Blood Bikes Cumbria also deliver a daily supply of blood to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) helicopter ‘The Pride of Cumbria’.

“In our tenth anniversary year, I’m delighted to be able to continue our excellent partnership with Carlisle United,” said Blood Bikes Cumbria chairman Jim White.

“We will be in the Fanzone before the match against Fleetwood Town on September 14 with our bikes, fundraisers and volunteers.

The fanzone will host Blood Bikes Cumbria before the Fleetwood gameThe fanzone will host Blood Bikes Cumbria before the Fleetwood game (Image: Ben Holmes)

“We are currently actively looking for new members in the Carlisle area, so if you’re a rider or driver and want to know more about how you can contribute to our life-saving vital work, we would love chat to you.

“See you all there! C’mon The Blues.”

The volunteer-led charity says it costs £76,000 each year to maintain their lifesaving service to the North Cumbria Integrated NHS Foundation Trust and Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Blood Bikes Cumbria have also announced BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Steph Finnon as a charity patron.

The charity visited Brunton Park last season when they raised £649.21 in a collection.

That visit also coincided with Fleetwood's visit, on the opening day of the 2023/24 campaign, with Blood Bikes Cumbria going on to thank the clubs and their fans for their generosity.