Motorbike shop owner Trevor Davies was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year when a biopsy revealed the malignant tumour. He is expected to have further tests and therapy soon.

To boost the funds of the Prostate Cancer Charity, he and sons Trevor, 35, and Gareth, 28, and a group of pals will travel to Mugello in Tuscany, Italy, and back, covering a total of 2,300 miles.

The 57-year-old, from Peterlee, will follow the bikers in a van packed with the group's luggage and spare parts in case their cycles need to be repaired.

Seven police officers from Durham Constabulary will be among the group of about 18 and will be raising money for Leukaemia Research.

The ride, which is the brainchild of Murton beat bobbie Pc Nigel Avent, will take in Nice and the Italian Alps. The riders will also visit San Marino, where they will enjoy watching eight-times world champion Valentino Rossi in the MotoGP.

They will then head back to the North East through Switzerland and Metz in France.

Trevor, who runs Vertical Motor Bikes in Lister Road, on Peterlee's North West Industrial Estate, said: "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about seven months ago and Nigel was saying he was going to organise a run to Italy and do it as a charity run.

"He said they would do it for Leukaemia Research and asked if we wanted to do it, too, so we're doing it for prostate cancer.

"Obviously I would like to see the money used locally by the charity.
"I try not to let things get me down and like to keep busy, so I'm looking forward to this."

Pc Avent, who will be riding his Yamaha FJR 1300 on the run, said: "We're all very excited about it and it'll be seven months in the planning by the time we get out to do it.

"We all use the shop and it's only been going for a short space of time, but we all want to support Trevor – he's a great bloke."

Colleagues joining Pc Avent include Pc Gary Brown and Sergeant Mark Mallatratt, who are also based at Seaham; Pc Steve Minns, Pc John Maynard and Sergeant Tim Robson, who work in Chester-le-Street; and Pc Dave Eggleston, an officer in Durham City.

The ride will leave Peterlee on May 27, but sponsorship is already being taken.

Anyone interested in offering their support can leave their details at Seaham Police Station for Pc Avent or call into the bike shop.