MOTORBIKE and trike owners will ride from a charity’s regional headquarters to the venue of a family fun day to raise funds to tackle dementia.

Ray’s Charity Ride Out will leave The Beacon, on Westgate Road, Newcastle, home to the Alzheimer's Society North East area office and a popular area with bikers, at 10.30am on Saturday, May 23.

They will travel along the A68 to Bishop Auckland and on to Ferryhill, County Durham, where The Manor House pub will host a fun day with food, children’s entertainment and fundraising events.

Bakery worker Jackie Gee is organising the day in aid of Auckland Park Hospital in Bishop Auckland, with a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Her father Ray Gee, 87, from Ferryhill, is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s which he was diagnosed with ten years ago.

Ms Gee, of Fishburn, County Durham, said: “The hospital cared for dad for about three months and I saw patients with not a lot of activities to do.

“The hospital want to landscape the garden and get a shed and equipment for patients so I feel compelled to help.

“We’ve 52 riders so far and I hope to get 100 plus.”

She thanked The Manor House Hotel and Bogeymen Sunderland MCC, which has helped plan the route and will provide marshals, for their support.

The event coincides with Dementia Awareness Week and is three days after Mr Gee and his wife Muriel’s wedding anniversary.

To take part or sponsor the ride search for Ray’s Charity Ride Out on Facebook.