Honour for blood biker who died while volunteering
Lancashire PoliceA volunteer blood biker who died while delivering emergency samples has been posthumously awarded the prestigious Elizabeth Emblem.
The award, given to the families of public servants who died in the line of duty, was presented at Kendal Town Hall in honour of Russell Curwen, 49, who died in a collision in Lancaster in 2018.
Before his funeral, a convoy of about 500 motorcyclists rode into Kendal in tribute to his work for the North West Blood Bikes charity.
His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, presented the emblem on Monday to his dad Kenny, who said "Russell has never left us".
The new Elizabeth Emblems - named after the late Queen - were first presented in 2024.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it "serves as a permanent national tribute to Russell's selflessness and sacrifice, and a symbol of the profound gratitude owed to him for his service".
He was fatally injured in a collision between his motorcycle and a car in Lancaster on 5 May in 2018 while delivering emergency samples to a laboratory.
PA MediaThe crash happened when he went through a red traffic light, using his blue flashing lights and sirens, and collided with another vehicle coming through the lights, an inquest into his death heard.
Coroner James Newman issued a prevention of future deaths report, which he said was not intended as a criticism.
The coroner said the report sought clarification on how far legislation regarding exemptions to road traffic rules in emergencies applied to blood bikes or similar charities.
Russell was described as a "great guy" by the vice chairman of North West Blood Bikes, Lee Townsend.
Speaking at the ceremony at Kendal Town Hall, his dad said: "You just don't imagine you're going to be in this position.
"Russell was always there and when we lost him we thought we had lost him forever - but we haven't."
It was the second time the Elizabeth Emblem has been awarded in Cumbria.
