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Biking Santas take to road in festive fund raise

Kerry Robson/Brain Tumour Research Five motorcyclists astride their vehicles on a grassy verge; four are dressed in Santa costumes, the other is in an elf outfit. All are adorned with tinsel and other decorations. The motorcycle on the right has a reindeer head on the front and is pulling a red sleigh, behind which stands another man in a Santa costume. Two of the other bikes also have pillion passengers both of whom are also in Santa outfits.Kerry Robson/Brain Tumour Research
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.

Kerry Robson Back view of two people in Santa costumes in front of a car, directing a fire extinguisher into the open bonnet, with clouds of steam or smoke coming from it.Kerry Robson
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."

Kerry Robson/Brain Tumour Research A man and three young girls seated in what appears to be a barn, with straw on the ground and a five-barred gate visible to the right. He is wearing a dark green gilet and bottle feeding a lamb. To his left are two young girls, his nieces, one is wearing a pink and grey checked fleece, the other a dark jacket. On his right can be seen the head and shoulders of another niece, who is wearing a purple jacket and white hat.Kerry Robson/Brain Tumour Research
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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