A FATHER-of-two who died while saving the lives of others has been remembered by his colleagues as part of a national blood bike ride.

Volunteer biker, Martin Dixon, 56, was killed after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car as he rode to transfer blood between two North-East hospitals last month.

Mr Dixon, from Hartlepool, was described as a man with “a huge heart” who had dedicated his years of service to North-East blood bike charity, Bloodrun EVS (Emergency Volunteer Services).

His colleagues, who continue to provide an overnight and weekend courier service for the region’s hospitals, joined other blood bike charities across the country to raise awareness for their tireless work.

Mr Dixon’s son, Martin Jnr, who is also an active member of Bloodrun EVS, said: “He died doing the two things he loved most, riding a motorcycle and helping others.

“Martin was a husband, father, brother and friend, and will be desperately missed for his positivity, enthusiasm and professionalism. He was a man with huge heart, his career was aimed firmly at serving his local community.”

Mr Dixon was involved in the fatal crash on Monday, November 28, after collecting blood from the University Hospital of Hartlepool to take it to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

Around 33,000 separate runs were made during 2015, with Mr Dixon being a key volunteer providing the service that plugs the gap in NHS biker availability.

Matt Sims, vice-chairman for Bristol-based blood bike charity, Freewheelers EVS, said: “Martin’s death cannot be in vain – we are now more focused than ever in raising the awareness of the blood bike charities.

“We are constantly looking to recruit new volunteers, so we can support more NHS Trusts, in both their main and remote hospitals.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit bloodbikes.org.uk

Alternatively, donate to Bloodrun EVS by visiting justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tracy-wing