A LIFE-saving motorbike has added to the Blood Bikes Cumbria fleet by the Freemasons of Cumberland and Westmorland.
The brand new Yamaha FJR1300A is the fourth motorcycle given by brethren to the charity, which sees specialist voluntary riders deliver urgently needed blood, drugs, human tissue and medical essentials between hospitals, often under blue lights.
Provincial grand master William Bewley described the blood bikers as "two-wheeled knights of the road", saying they "espouse the very best of all that makes Britain great",
"We are aware of some of those who have been saved by their quick actions," Mr Bewley told the audience at Cleator Moor Civic Hall and Masonic Centre, "and we owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for that commitment and dedication."
Anne-Marie Moffatt, who chairs the Blood Bikes Cumbria charity, said she was "absolutely amazed and so humbled" by the Masons' generosity, adding: "I am very emotional about everything that has happened this afternoon. It’s been wonderful."
Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons presented the first of four £18,000 blood bikes in September 2017 at the 300th anniversary celebrations of Freemasonry; the second arrived in May 2018.
Poignantly, the third was handed over at Kendal Masonic Hall in July 2018 in memory of Russell Curwen, a 49-year-old blood bike rider from Kendal who tragically died in an accident while on duty.
Several members of the Masonic motorcycle club, Widows Sons Cumberland & Westmorland Motorcycle Chapter, presented a £500 cheque to Blood Bikes Cumbria at the ceremony in Cleator Moor.
Meanwhile, Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons gave a £5,000 to Cumbria's prospective High Sheriff, Marcia Reid-Fotheringham, to help with her charitable work. She said: "This has been a totally impressive event, done by highly committed people and the sign of the good-heartedness of Cumbrian Freemasons, and I am honoured to have been included."
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