Three motorcyclists from Cumbria are planning a triumphant return to the roads following a difficult year for the long-time friends.

As part of the Three Old Men and 50 Cubs fundraiser challenge, bikers Dee Addison, Andrew Monkhouse and Alan Walker will travel along the extreme coastline of the UK on Honda 50 Cubs — a journey of more than 4,000 miles on machines that can do a maximum speed of 43 mph.

As two of the three riders work full time and will need to use holiday to complete the challenge, the journey will be split into three legs.

Mr Atkinson explained their motivations for taking on the mammoth challenge.

“Firstly, it’s three motorcycle-daft mates having a laugh and ripping the Mickey out of each other continually.

“Secondly, it is to raise money for Blood Bikes Cumbria (BBC) and The Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle (CIC).”

Dee has been a blood bike rider and fundraiser for BBC since 2015, his friend Andrew was hospitalised for ten days in January 2021 with Covid-19 in CIC and wishes to show thanks to the lifesaving care he received in this our local hospital.

“We’re all buddies and have been for years. When I retired, we were looking into something we could do for charity.

“We came up with this as a laugh, but we thought this was the right challenge. It’s been absolutely fantastic the work that they have done, saving people’s lives — Andrew included. The infirmary is superb, the care they’ve given has been phenomenal.

“And I’m passionate about Blood Bikes. It’s been hit due to the pandemic and it’s been difficult to raise money for the service, which is a vital one.”

After launching the online campaign only last week, Dee says that he is grateful for the support they have received so far.

He added: “We’ve received sponsorship from businesses and the public and we appreciate it.”

The trip is being funded personally by the three riders. All sponsorship goes directly and fully to the two stated causes equally.

Donate at: gofundme.com