Motorcycling Santas Ride in County Durham to Fund Brain Tumour Research

A group of motorcyclists dressed as Santas journeyed through the streets of County Durham to commemorate a local farmer who passed away from a brain tumour ten years ago. The participants, costumed as Father Christmases, rode motorcycles adorned with tinsel, lights, and other festive decorations through Consett, Shotley Bridge, and Lanchester. The event was spearheaded by Terry Forster, a resident of Consett, whose son, Adam, died from glioblastoma at the age of 42. In addition to spreading Christmas cheer, the riders have been collecting funds for the charity Brain Tumour Research. Initially, six Santas were planned to participate, but this number was reduced to three due to strong winds. Spectators gathered to support them, and a dramatic incident from a previous run last weekend, where they had stopped to assist a woman whose car had caught fire near Consett, did not recur. Since Adam’s passing in 2014, his family has accumulated nearly £70,000 for the charity through various activities including bake sales, charity auctions, musical performances, and other community events. Kerry Robson, Adam’s sister, stated: “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.” Brain tumours are capable of affecting individuals of any age; however, only 1% of the national expenditure on cancer research has been directed towards this condition since data collection commenced in 2002. “The more we raise, the closer we get to discovering treatments and cures that might have saved Adam,” she further commented. The family aims to collect sufficient funds to dedicate a plaque in his honour at the forthcoming Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which is slated to open in 2025 and will concentrate on glioblastoma research. Ashley McWilliams, the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, remarked: “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.”