A GROUP of bikers who transport blood samples between hospitals in their spare time have been recognised for their selflessness with a National Lottery award.

For the last five years, The North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes have couriered blood samples, patient notes and breast milk from hospitals across the North West, including Furness General Hospital.

More than 200 riders work all-year round, including through the night on weekends as well as on bank holidays, to transport samples so hospitals don’t have to pay for private couriers in unsociable hours.

Steve Dunstan, who is the north area manager for the group, was thrilled they were voted as the UK’s Best Health project in this year’s National Lottery Awards and is amazed at the support they have received from the public.

“I am absolutely ecstatic,” he said. “We are a fairly new organisation and we have spent a lot of time raising our profile so to have 5,000 people voting for us is fantastic.

“Every biker has got a reason for doing it. One of the bikers had a triple heart bypass 14 years ago and wanted to give something back and others have received vital treatment from hospitals.

"For all of us, the NHS is special and we have all benefited from their service so, by transporting samples, we can save them money so they’ve got more funds which can be put towards patient care.”

So far this year, the 60 riders who cover Barrow, Kendal and Lancaster have completed more than 700 call outs covering more than 16,000 miles, which has saved the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust £45,000 in transport costs.

John Walker, who is the Blood Bikes area manager for Barrow, said: “We are over the moon to have won, especially considering we enjoyed a landslide victory as we won by quite a margin.

“Barrow isn’t necessarily one of our busiest spots, but when something does happen and an urgent transportation is needed, the bikers become really important. We can’t thank the riders enough for the support that they give.”

The award was presented to the volunteers by former Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding, who donned his helmet to join the bikers for a ride following the announcement.

The group has been given a £3,000 cash prize and invitations to the National Lottery Stars, an awards ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One on September 12.

READ MORE: South Cumbria Blood Bike volunteers help trust

Volunteer bikers take blood between Barrow and Lancaster