A FATHER-of-two died after his motorbike was in collision with a car while helping save lives of others.

Martin Dixon was a volunteer with Bloodrun EVS (Emergency Voluntary Service) – a charity which sees bikers take blood supplies between hospitals.

The 56-year-old, from the Billingham area, was collecting blood from the University Hospital of Hartlepool to take to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a black Citroen C3 on Easington Road, Hartlepool, at around 7.05pm on Monday.

He suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Citroen was uninjured.

Mr Dixon had been with the blood bike charity for about five years. It's chairman, Richie Wolstenholme, has paid tribute to him.

"As many will be aware by now, there was a fatal accident in Hartlepool on 28th November, involving Martin Dixon.

"Firstly, as Chair, I would wish to extend the condolences and sympathies of all our volunteers to Tina, Martin, Mick and the entire family. We are all so shocked by this heartbreaking incident, which resulted in Martin’s untimely death.

"Martin Dixon is the embodiment of the unsung hero. He was one of the longest serving and most committed volunteers in Bloodrun EVS, serving as both volunteer rider and Committee Member. He was always up for doing more than was asked. His entire professional and charity careers were aimed at supporting his local community.

"Martin was one of the most disciplined and considered motorcyclists I have ever met and ridden with, and had just passed his latest advanced assessment ride with RoSPA. 

"He will be sorely missed by all at Bloodrun for his positivity, enthusiasm, good sense and professionalism, as well as for his never-ending good humour and bad jokes."

Martin leaves behind a wife and two children. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

  • Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact PC Anthony Harrison from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 216884.