A BIG-HEARTED team of volunteer motorcyclists have completed more than 300 free medical journeys for Halton Hospital.

Merseyside and Cheshire Blood Bikes save the NHS thousands of pounds every year by ferrying essentials between hospitals.

Rider Simon Dennett, from Farnworth, Widnes, became a volunteer after his dad died.

He said: ”Our service comes to the fore particularly during rush hour. “The expressway between Runcorn and Warrington plus the oncoming motorway traffic brings the area to an almost standstill.

“By using our motorcycles our riders can complete this run in under 20 minutes compared to up to an hour using a car or van.

“This drastically reduces the time taken to test samples in readiness for diagnosis.

“As our service is 100% free the cost saving over the year is phenomenal with all savings going back into patient care.”

Volunteer bikers transport medical equipment, organs, blood, drugs and urgent case notes out of hours.

The team of 60 men and women includes 10 volunteers from Runcorn and Widnes plus call handlers.

Simon added: “The team at Halton only want the best for their patients and we are proud to provide when called.

“We have a 30 minute deadline from call to collection then as soon as it’s delivered our riders contact our control team to report the job complete.”

The bikers invited nurses at the Runcorn Urgent Care Centre to draw the winner of a VIP pass to the British Superbike Championship in their charity raffle.