Fleetwood Nautical Campus Lecturer Supports Life Saving Blood Bike Service

Fleetwood Nautical Campus is proud to recognise the voluntary work of Mike Ford, an Engineering Technical Officer (ETO) Lecturer at the campus, whose commitment to supporting others extends well beyond his teaching role.

Alongside training the next generation of maritime engineers, Mike Ford volunteers as a rider with Norfolk Blood Bikes, supporting the NHS by delivering vital medical supplies outside of normal operating hours.

Norfolk Blood Bikes is a registered charity and part of the wider UK Blood Biker community. While supported by a national umbrella organisation, each Blood Bike group operates independently to serve its local area. The charity provides a vital out‑of‑hours service to the NHS, delivering blood, blood components, medical supplies and breast milk entirely free of charge.

The service operates every night of the year from 7pm to 7am, as well as 24 hours a day on weekends and bank holidays. Covering Norfolk - the fourth largest county in the UK - each shift typically includes five volunteer riders and one controller, positioned near key hospitals to ensure a rapid response to urgent requests.

The scale of the charity’s work is significant. In 2025 alone, volunteers answered 2,305 call‑outs, completing 2,827 journeys and travelling more than 143,000 miles to support hospitals across the county. This included 1,553 hospital deliveries to 11 hospitals, 365 air ambulance transfers, and the transport of blood products, urgent test samples and 1,974 litres of donated human milk, helping to speed up diagnosis and patient care.

The group’s motto, “We’ll Go No Matter What,” reflects the commitment and professionalism of its volunteers.

Responding When It Matters Most

A recent call‑out demonstrates just how critical this service can be. On Mother’s Day morning, Mike received a call at 7.45am requesting the urgent transfer of blood products. He was dispatched to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, the regional blood hub, to collect two specialised insulated boxes of blood urgently required by King’s Lynn Hospital.

The journey involved a 75‑minute ride to Cambridge, followed by a 90‑minute delivery to King’s Lynn, with the blood safely delivered by 11am. The entire operation took around three hours and was completed at no cost to the NHS.

Why Mike Volunteers 

Mike typically volunteers for around six 12‑hour shifts each month, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays. Speaking about why he gives his time, he said:

“It’s really rewarding - not just the riding, but the connection with others, whether that’s fellow volunteers, healthcare workers or members of the public.”

He added that Blood Biking offers a unique sense of purpose:

“It’s a way to use advanced riding skills for a vital cause, and to positively contribute and make a difference.”

For Mike, the impact of each journey is what matters most:

“Knowing that a single urgent delivery can possibly directly influence patient survival makes every shift worthwhile. There are many stories from patients who have benefited from the contribution of the Blood Bike community.”

Giving Back to the Community

Blood Bike groups operate across the UK and offer a range of volunteering roles, including opportunities for those who do not ride motorcycles. Mike volunteers with Norfolk Blood Bikes, supporting the community where he lives.

Fleetwood Nautical Campus is proud to have staff who contribute in meaningful ways beyond their day‑to‑day roles, supporting essential services and making a real difference within their communities.

Thank you, Mike, for everything you do - your commitment truly makes a difference!