Biking Santas take to road in festive fund raise

Windy weather meant the original fleet of six had to be reduced to three

A fleet of motorcycling Santas have taken to the streets of County Durham to remember a local farmer who lost his life to a brain tumour a decade ago.

The Father Christmases rode bikes adorned with tinsel, lights, and decorations through Consett, Shotley Bridge, and Lanchester.

It was led by Terry Forster, from Consett, whose son Adam died from glioblastoma at the age of 42.

As well as spreading Christmas cheer, the riders have been raising money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

Originally there were going to be six Santas but this was reduced to three because of strong winds.

Crowds turned out to cheer them on and there was no repeat of a dramatic incident during a run last weekend when they stopped to assist a woman whose car had caught fire near Consett.

A fire extinguisher was used to put out the blaze

Since Adam's death in 2014, his family has raised almost £70,000 for the charity through bake sales, charity auctions, gigs and other local events.

Adam's sister, Kerry Robson, said: "Even after a decade, Adam's absence feels just as painful, especially around Christmas.

"Organising events like this brings some comfort and allows us to celebrate his life while supporting a cause that could help save others.

"Seeing the joy it brings to our community is incredible and keeps Adam's memory alive."

Adam's family has been raising money for charity since his death

Brain tumours can affect anyone at any age, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the condition since records began in 2002.

"The more we raise, the closer we get to discovering treatments and cures that might have saved Adam," she added.

The family is hoping to raise enough to dedicate a plaque to him at the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, scheduled to open in 2025 and which will focus on glioblastoma research.

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Events like the Biking Santas convoy not only bring joy to the community but also shine a much-needed spotlight on the urgent need for greater investment in researching brain tumours.

"Together, we can help move closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease."

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