KIND-HEARTED bikers and their cuddly sidekick enjoyed a heroes welcome when they returned from an epic charity challenge across Europe.

They travelled through 30 countries in 13 days, enduring thunder storms, broken bones and treacherous road conditions. But as the Quest for Cancer came to an end at the Burn Inn in Willington on Friday, motorcyclists Trevor Atkinson, Steve Armstrong and Tony Hurworth were already planning their next adventure.

The trio took on the challenge to raise funds for the Chyrelle Addams Cancer Support Trust, a Crook-based charity set up by breast cancer survivor Patricia Greensmith. They were joined by the charity’s mascot, Byker Bear, and took photographs of him along the way, which they shared with the fury fellow’s hundreds of Facebook friends.

Mrs Greensmith and the other volunteers had pulled out all of the stops to ensure their homecoming party on Friday night was unforgettable, with games bouncy castles, live music and refreshments on offer.

She could not hold back the tears when the motorcyclists arrived, accompanied by bikers from across the region who had joined them for the final stretch of their journey.

“It’s just unbelievable,” she said. “To see them come back after doing such a phenomenal challenge was fantastic.”

It was an emotional moment for the bikers too, especially as it saw Mr Hurworth and Mr Atkinson reunited with Mr Armstrong. The 51-year-old was involved in a serious crash in Romania and suffered multiple fractures including a broken shoulder. He had no choice but to pull out.

Mr Atkinson said: “Steve’s accident was traumatic and very worrying. It’s great to see him here today.”

He added: “We are really pleased to have done this. It’s been a great experience - tough but brilliant. The party Trish has put on for us is fantastic.”

The bikers, all from the Willington area, set off on Sunday, June 3, and headed up to Scotland before travelling back down through England and Wales, They then crossed the channel to France and travelled across the continent.

Money raised will go towards the maintenance and ground fees of the Chyrelle Addams Cancer Support Trust holiday home, which provides a place for cancer patients and their families to relax and make memories. To donate, visit chyrelleaddams.co.uk