Bikers get revved up for coast-to-coast ride

Dozens of motorcyclists gathered on Lytham Green before roaring off on a 150-mile ride across the UK to reach Whitby in North Yorkshire.

The convoy of bikers, part of the North West UK Motorcycles and Bikers Club, met up with hundreds of other riders en route thanks to help from organiser Brian Scott.

Mr Scott, 56, of Curtis Drive, Fleetwood, had organised Sunday’s event to help raise money for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association and support his son Daniel, 23, who has the disorder.

Tuberous sclerosis, also known as tuberous sclerosis complex, is a rare genetic condition which causes mainly benign, non-cancerous tumours to develop in different parts of the body.

Mr Scott said he had been astonished by the turn-out, estimating around 300 bikers took part.

He added: “To be honest, I did not realise it was possible to have that many bikes in one place.

“It was tremendous, absolutely tremendous. It turned out to be a really, really good day.

“We had riders joining us all the way to Whitby – I would say around 300 people took part.”

Each rider donated £10 for the event, with Mr Scott estimating more than £3,000 was raised on the day.

The money will be donated to the Tuberous Sclerosis Association and help other people like Daniel, cannot walk, talk or feed himself and needs constant care and attention.

The genetic disorder affects around 10,000 people in the UK but is very hard to spot as it can only be detected by scans once someone is two-years-old.

Mr Scott said the event would help raise awareness of the illness and provide cash to fund research.

He added: “With people who suffer from this disease there is no cure. A charity run will raise money to go into research and help try and find a way to cure this disease.

“If I said to you cancer then you would know exactly what it is, but if I say tuberous sclerosis you won’t, that is why it’s vital that we get as much publicity as possible.

“Everyone throughout the world needs to know about the disorder and the effects it can have. Some people may not know that they or their family have it.”

Emma Damian-Grint, Tuberous Sclerosis Association community fund-raising manager, said: “The Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) are absolutely delighted that the NWUK Motorcycles and Bikers group have decided to support our charity, with this wonderful event.”