(Image: Supplied)
More than £5,000 has been raised for a blood cancer charity after dozens of motorcyclists from across the UK took part in a ride through North Yorkshire.
More than 70 members of the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) took part in the charity ride, which took place over the weekend of July 25-26 and raised money for Myeloma UK, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting people diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
This is the third year the North Yorkshire TRF has organised the ride in support of the charity, which was chosen in honour of Jenny Attridge, the wife of one of the group’s members.
Ms Attridge was diagnosed with myeloma in December 2022 at the age of 50 and has since undergone treatment, including a stem cell transplant.
She said: "Thank you so much to the NYTRF for choosing to support Myeloma UK for the third year.
"It means so much to me and will help Myeloma UK to keep on supporting people like myself as well as funding research into a cure and treatments available.
"I am so grateful for both NYTRF and Myeloma UK’s support."
The North Yorkshire TRF is part of the national Trail Riders Fellowship, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who ride the legally accessible green road network across England and Wales.
The group works closely with North Yorkshire Council and other authorities to maintain these routes, including clearing vegetation, removing fallen trees, and repairing drainage.
They also contribute to larger repair projects by funding materials, such as stone, for use by the council’s contractors.
Recent projects include £3,600 towards repairs on Lady Anne’s Highway in the Yorkshire Dales and £4,700 for work at Coleson Banks in the North York Moors.
The group also supports other charities, including the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, both of which received £2,000 this year.
Matt Wynes, director of fundraising at Myeloma UK, said: "We can’t thank North Yorkshire TRF enough for their incredible support and for going above and beyond for the myeloma community.
"We receive no government funding for the work that we do, so voluntary donations, fundraising and gifts in wills are the lifeblood of Myeloma UK.
"It’s thanks to supporters like North Yorkshire TRF that we can continue to fund vital research into new treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as essential support services for patients, their families, and those affected by myeloma."
Over the last three years, the North Yorkshire TRF has raised around £12,700 for Myeloma UK.
The event is also supported by local businesses, including Radfords Butchers, Mr Chips, and the Goathland Community Hub, who donate their time, facilities, and catering services.
Read more
NHS urges North East to sign up as organ donors amid consent drop
North Yorkshire farm hosts 24-hour charity event in memory of three young people
North East cancer survivor completes 100th Parkrun with support from her dog
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and is currently incurable, though it can be managed with treatment.
More than 35,000 people are living with myeloma in the UK, with around 6,200 new cases diagnosed each year.
Donations to Myeloma UK can be made at donate.myeloma.org.uk.