WITH just days to go until they embark on an epic European adventure, three fundraising bikers and a jet-setting teddy bear are making the final preparations for their sponsored ride.

Willington bikers Trevor Atkinson, Tony Hurworth and Steve Armstrong will ride their motorbikes through 30 European in 13 days as part of the Quest for Cancer.

Aimed at raising funds for the Chyrelle Addams Cancer Support Trust, the trio will be accompanied by the Crook charity’s popular mascot, Byker Bear, who has become somewhat of a celebrity in recent months.

The motorcycle ride is the latest in a series of adventures the cuddly character has experienced, having already joined forces with Durham Police Interceptors and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. He has also enjoyed a spa break at Centre Parcs, a beach holiday in Spain and was recently spotted at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland.

The Quest for Cancer begins on Sunday morning and, to ensure Byker Bear’s hundreds of Facebook friends are kept up to date during his travels, the bikers will post daily snapshots of him in the countries they pass through.

The bikers are now finalising arrangements for the trip and have already raised more than £7,000 through their online fundraising page and corporate sponsorship. This includes generous donations from Screwfix in Bishop Auckland, S&A Builders’ Merchants in Crook and Teesdale Motorcycles.

Trish Greensmith, from Willington, who founded the charity after battling breast cancer herself, said: “I think what the lads are doing is amazing. We are so grateful for their support. It’s not just with the motorbike ride, they have been helping us at events too and with other projects.”

The money raised through the Quest for Cancer will help to cover the ground fees and maintenance of the Trust’s static caravan at Crimdon Dene Holiday Park near Blackhall Colliery, which provides a place for cancer patients and their families to relax together.

Mrs Greensmith said: “The holiday home is so important to us because it is a place where people with cancer can make memories with their friends and families.They can forget about their problems for a while and relax and recuperate.”

Mr Atkinson said it was a privilege to support the Chyrelle Addams Cancer Support Trust, adding: “We have got to know Trish and the team really well over the last few months and have witnessed the excellent work they do. It’s such a worthwhile cause.”

Mr Hurworth said: “What’s nice is that it’s a local charity so we know where the money is going and how it will benefit the community.”

The charity is organising a homecoming party at the Burn Inn in Willington on Friday, June 15. The fun will get underway at 4pm, with highlights including live music by Mrs Greensmith, who is also professional singer, along with a raffle, games, competitions and more.

The bikers and Byker Bear are expected to arrive between 7pm and 7.30pm, and they are inviting fellow motorcyclists to join them at Scotch Corner Services on the A1 at 6pm for the final stretch of the journey.

To make a donation, visit chyrelleaddams.co.uk

To follow Byker Bear search for him on Facebook.