A FAMILY who lost their son to a brain tumour have been channelling their grieving into fundraising in his memory.

Adam Forster died in May 2014 and since then his family has worked with the charity Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness of the devastating disease.

On December 14 this year they held their sixth ‘Santa Bike Run’ in their son’s memory. The event – organised by Adam’s father, Terry Forster – saw a fleet of Santa Clauses motorbike through the streets of Consett to raise funds and awareness.

Mr Forster, who rides his old Harley Davidson each year, led his merry band on a 20-mile round trip from Allensford Cafe up to B&M in Consett and around the town, ending at Lintzford Garden Centre.

The farmer from Camperdown near Shotley Bridge, died aged 42 after being diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma multiforme.

The tumour was inoperable, but he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite treatment, Adam deteriorated and passed away just ten months after his diagnosis. He left his parents Terry and Ann, sister Kerry Robson, brother-in-law Carl and three young nieces, Gracie, Ellie and Lauren.

His sister Kerry Robson said: “Losing Adam was shattering. It still is. Nothing will ever make up for our loss but putting our energy into funding the fight against brain tumours gives us a focus.

“He would love the fact that we all don fancy dress and do this daft thing in his memory every year.”

The family of the inspirational farmer also spread goodwill this Christmas by collecting for Brain Tumour Research at Queen’s Hall in Hexham on December 13.

Mr Forster is the founding member of ‘The Biking Vikings’, a small group of friends who provide Viking-themed entertainment, including stilt-walking and live music, at public and private events.

The group collected at the Queen's Hall Arts Centre, in Hexham, to coincide with the production of ‘A Viking Christmas’, written by North-East playwright Gary Kitching.

The family has raised more than £1,100 for Brain Tumour Research this Christmas and more fundraisers are planned for 2020 and beyond.

Mrs Robson added: “We miss Adam every single day, but Christmas can be a particularly difficult time, as the focus is on family and celebration.

"Grieving a loved one at this time of year is tough but we are as determined as ever to use it as an opportunity to fundraise and make a difference.

"We want to give hope to other patients and their families who are suffering. Together we will find a cure.”

Matthew Price, community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

“The ongoing support of Adam’s family is invaluable to us and we are delighted that they are committing to more fundraising this Christmas.”

“Christmas is a time for family and celebration, but we know that many people affected by brain tumours are suffering as they are mourning or facing a bleak future. We cannot allow this situation to continue.”

To support the family and donate to their cause, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adamforstersantabikerun