Charity bikers convoy helps raise vital funds

IF YOU drove through the Tyne Tunnel on Sunday, you may have noticed a large convoy of motorbikes travelling along the roads. That's because The North East Bikers met once again for the annual fundraiser for St John Ambulance.

- By EMILY GRAY

The events brought together approximately 130 riders, starting off from the Al Washington North Bound Service Station. Riders headed up to Cramlington then travelled down the A19, before regrouping at the Tyne Tunnel. TT2 paused traffic so the entire group were able to pass through together before they continued down to Thornaby.

Tony Laker, a biker of many years and a St John Ambulance regional youth manager, has been a key organiser of this event. Tony rides with the Armed Forces Bikers Veterans Charity, a dedicated team who annually raise money for veterans.

Tony told The Chronicle: “I've arranged for the North East Bikers to come together and do a ride to raise as much money as we can for St John’s Ambulance, which will be used locally.”

Thanks to Tony's efforts, last year’s event was a great success and, as a result, the North East Bikers have agreed to make this an annual fundraiser for St John, held every second Sunday in September.