MORE than 200 bikers took to the region’s roads yesterday (May 23) to raise funds for two Alzheimer’s charities.

Jackie Gee, who passed her biker’s driving licence especially for the event, organised it in honour of her father, Ray, 87, who currently suffers from the condition.

The 39-year-old, of Fishburn, led the sea of bikes from Newcastle to Bishop Auckland and finally to the Manor House Hotel, in Ferryhill, where her father was waiting for her at the finish line.

A family fun day was also held in the town which included a raffle with more than 200 prizes.

The group raised £2,800 which was split between Auckland Park Hospital and Alzheimer’s North-East.

Ms Gee said she wanted to thank everyone involved in organising the event since February.

“My father was taken in Auckland Park Hospital last year when he took really bad and he was in there four to five months so I just wanted to the hospital,” she explained.

“The nurses are fantastic and we had two show up yesterday and presented them with a cheque for £1,500.”

She added: “My dad was at the finish line and smiling when he saw me - the biking community is fantastic at supporting charities and I cannot thank them enough.”