BLOOD transfusions can now be carried out at the roadside for the first time in Cumbria thanks to a new partnership between two life-saving charities.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is one of a handful of air ambulances across the country that now carries blood on board so it can conduct the emergency procedure at the site of an accident.

But, behind the scenes, there is a group of tireless volunteers on motorbikes working free-of-charge through the night to ensure the air ambulance crews are always well-stocked.

Northwest Blood Bikes Lancashire & Lakes is a 250-person strong band of lifesavers who transport urgent blood and medical supplies to hospitals and ambulance depots across the region.

Since their conception three years ago, the blood bikers have saved countless lives but they have also saved the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) £35,000.

Previously, when a hospital needed blood, surgical equipment or even baby milk overnight, they would have to pay for a taxi to deliver it.

Journeys from Kendal to Barrow at 2am would routinely cost hundreds of pounds.

Now, a volunteer blood biker will get a call from their switchboard manager, operating out of their own front room, collect the precious cargo and deliver it to its destination quickly and free-of-charge.

On its first day, Thursday, January 15, the partnership between the blood bikers and GNAAS meant a man who was bleeding-out by the roadside in Cumbria could undergo an emergency transfusion. He remains in a critical state but he was given a fighting chance of survival.

Due to patient confidentiality laws, the blood bikers rarely find out what a difference their selfless service makes.

Paul Brooks, 65, a retired police officer who is now a trustee of North West Blood Bikes, said: "I saw a lot of death and destruction in my job and I ended up in hospital many a time. I realised what a damn good job the NHS does and that the government doesn't realise the extent of what they do.

"We are proud of what we do and if we ever do get feedback it gives you goosebumps but we know what we have done and we know it is appreciated and that's all that we are bothered about."

Blood bikers come from all walks of life and the Gazette spoke to Andy Griffiths, from Oxenholme, who decided to volunteer as 'payback' for the NHS conducting several serious operations on his wife.

According to Andy, the bikers' remit is simple - "If it fits on a bike, we'll take it," he said.

"It's as much about delivering blood samples as it is about urgent surgical equipment but the underlying thing that people don't see is that we are saving the NHS money because this is purely voluntary."

Despite knowing the speed of their delivery can dictate whether somebody lives or dies, bikers have to overcome their emotions and get the job done.

Andy said: "If you don't get there then you don't do any good. There's a fine line between adrenaline and driving like a loon. The most important thing is to get it there and if you don't do that you've failed."

Their work is much appreciated by UHMBT's engagement manager Barry Rigg, who said: "“We have collected 972 items (from the bikers) at the three hospitals in the last 12 months which equates to more than £35,000 in transport costs alone. This doesn’t take into account the time saved, and the efficiency of using a bike rather than other transportation through traffic.

“We can’t thank the North West Blood Bikes group enough for working with us.

“It is people like these that really deserve acknowledgement for what they do. They are local people who have turned their goodwill, love of riding and passion for the NHS into something that really adds value to the great work that goes on every day in our hospitals.

"They are literally saving lives on a daily basis.’’

Blood bikes rely solely on charitable donations for everything, even fuel and insurance.

To make a donation or find out more about Northwest Blood Bikes Lancashire & Lakes visit http://www.nwbb-lancs.org