Teddy bear arrives in Inverness after being escorted around the UK on charity journey led by motorcyclists.

Jefferys biker journey is a campaign to raise money for a young boy diagnosed with incurable Battens disease. A group of volunteer motorcyclists brought the bear to Inverness for its next handover as it travels the UK.

Battens disease slows developmental progress in young children, with a life expectancy of six to 12 years. Jeffery Charlesworth (5) from Lancashire was diagnosed with the disease this year.

Bikers from across the UK have been helping the efforts to raise money and awareness for Jeffrey. The latest leg sees the bear brought to Inverness from Orkney.

Jefferys mother, Sheryl Lawson (34), said: “‘This Biker Journey for Jeffrey and to raise awareness about Batten Disease which no one we know had ever heard of. People that have yet to meet Jeffrey taking the time out of their lives to do a leg of a relay and make memories with Jeff daBear for our son is truly heartwarming.

“After his diagnosis our world crumbled. The support from our community and now communities all around the UK who are giving up their time it’s so very humbling. We can’t express our thanks enough. Awareness is key as if in future it can lead to early diagnosis, treatments for the different types of Batten Disease and in all hope one day a cure.”

One of the bikers involved in the journey to Inverness, John Foster (62) from Orkney, said he took part “to help make the journey as fun and exciting as possible.”

So far the journey has raised £6500 which will go towards costs for mobility equipment, medical appointments and travel. Jeffery DaBear will continue back down to England from his Inverness pit stop.

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