Answering the Call—On the Road and in the Gospel

You may have noticed bikers in yellow and orange livery weaving through traffic as they deliver precious cargo—blood, plasma, urgent medical equipment and vital documents. What you might not know is that behind the North West Blood Bikes charity are around 400 dedicated volunteers: 350 bikers, 30 controllers and 20 fundraisers.

On weekdays, these volunteers operate from 6pm to 2am, and on weekends they cover four six-hour shifts, ensuring the NHS receives critical support outside normal working hours.

Sister Valerie Walker, of the Chorley 3rd Ward in the Chorley Stake, is one such volunteer. Now retired, Valerie has served as a controller and trainer for six years, in addition to her callings as a temple worker at the Preston Temple and Relief Society secretary in her ward.

As a controller, Valerie coordinates up to 12 bikers during each shift across the North West of England. Hospitals and pathology labs contact her directly with urgent requests for transportation. Valerie then assigns a biker and provides instructions. The bikers keep in contact by texting once they’ve collected an item and again when it has been delivered.

Much like the riders of the historic Pony Express, bikers often work in relays, handing over their life-saving cargo to the next rider along the route. Valerie ensures smooth handovers by estimating arrival times so that the next biker is ready to continue the run. Equipped with hands-free communication systems in their helmets, the bikers stay in touch with Valerie throughout their journey. As the controller, she remains on duty until the final biker returns home safely.

Valerie averages six shifts a month. The role can be fast-paced, with little room for error—especially when dealing with blood, plasma or intricate medical equipment. “Sometimes it’s the adrenaline that keeps us going,” she says, “but more than that, it’s knowing that this precious cargo could save someone’s life.”

Originally from Ayrshire, Valerie joined the Church more than 38 years ago and has served in a variety of callings. She believes her experience in the Church helped prepare her spiritually and emotionally for this meaningful form of service.

Whether serving in the temple, at church or on the virtual roads of the North-West, Valerie’s dedication is a powerful example of discipleship in action—where faith meets service and where a life can be saved thanks to someone who simply answered the call.