North West Air Ambulance Charity Revives Base to Base Ride Out for 2026
Motorcyclists across the North West are being called to gear up as the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) announces the return of its flagship Base to Base Ride Out. This exciting event is organized in partnership with North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes and Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, promising a day of community spirit and vital fundraising.
Event Details and Schedule
The popular charity ride is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026. Participants will gather at Blackpool Airport, specifically Hangar 3, before embarking on a picturesque, motorway-free route that concludes at Barton Aerodrome in Manchester. Arrival begins at 9:30 AM, with the official ride-out kicking off at 11:00 AM.
Tickets are priced at £15 for general admission or £25 for VIP access. VIP tickets include a goodie bag and priority positioning at the start of the ride, offering an enhanced experience for supporters.
Supporting Lifesaving Services
Open to riders of all skill levels, the event aims to raise crucial funds for lifesaving services that operate without government or NHS funding. Over the past 18 months, the three organizations have strengthened a powerful operational partnership, which plays a key role in supporting NWAA's expanded blood-on-board service.
This service enables crews to deliver emergency blood transfusions directly at the scene of incidents, whether they arrive by helicopter or critical care vehicle, significantly improving outcomes for seriously injured patients across the region.
Partnership and Community Impact
Trish Fitzpatrick of North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes have been working together with Greater Manchester Blood Bikes and North West Air Ambulance Charity over the past 18 months. Building on this successful partnership, all three organizations are delighted to unite once again for the 2026 Base to Base Ride."
She added, "Together, we remain committed to delivering essential lifesaving services to the communities of the North West, and this ride is an opportunity to build relationships as we FUNdraise together."
Both Blood Bikes teams ensure that essential blood products reach NWAA's Blackpool and Barton fleets daily, contributing to faster interventions and better patient care.
Enhanced Strategic Alliance
Russ Harrison of Greater Manchester Blood Bikes highlighted the long-standing partnership, saying, "Greater Manchester Blood Bikes and NWAA have been strategic partners for four years now, working together to supply blood on board from road to rotor. We are delighted to further enhance that partnership by fundraising together on the Base to Base Ride in 2026."
Steph Gibson, Events Coordinator at NWAA, emphasized the event's significance, noting, "Our Base to Base Ride Out captures the heart of our partnership and the incredible support of the biking community. Every rider who joins helps us continue delivering critical care across the North West."
How to Get Involved
To register for the event or learn more, interested participants can visit the official website, contact events@nwairambulance.org.uk, or call 0800 587 4570. This charity ride offers a memorable day on two wheels while making a tangible difference in supporting emergency medical services that save lives throughout the North West.
