Bikers who work for the region's mental health trust rode out in support of mental health during a charity event organised to raise money so patients with dementia can enjoy days out.

Eastern Daily Press: Michelle Stewart, matron and head of clinical practice at the Julian Hospital in Norwich. Photo: NSFTMichelle Stewart, matron and head of clinical practice at the Julian Hospital in Norwich. Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

The group from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) took to their trusty machines, starting and finishing in Norwich and visiting several of NSFT's sites during their tour.

The event was organised to help raise money for patients with dementia who are receiving care at Hammerton Court, NSFT's specialist centre in Norwich, to enjoy days out.

The appeal was arranged in memory of 70-year-old Stanley Matthews, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in early 2016 and passed away earlier this spring.

His family wanted to give something back to Hammerton Court, and already more than £3,500 has been raised.

Now, they have a total target of £15,000 to make sure the residents can enjoy time outside of the centre.

On a crowdfunding page set up to accept donations, it said: 'Please help us to give all the residents in Hammerton Court a minibus for them to have a day trip out every so often. Let's help these people get out of the four walls they live in day in day out.'

It also marks Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 8 to Sunday 14 May.

Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, this year's event focuses on 'surviving or thriving', and looks at the steps individuals can take to look after their mental health and build resilience to cope with the demands of life.

Michelle Stewart, matron and head of clinical practice at the Julian Hospital in Norwich, has helped organise the event.

She said: 'Lots of bikers joined us for the ride out, with some people coming along for the whole trip and others hopping on and off along the way. As well as marking Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked people taking part to make a minimum donation of £5 towards the appeal in memory of Mr Matthews, whose family have been passionate in their efforts to support staff and service users at Hammerton Court.'

To read more about the Stanley Matthews appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-waller?utm_id=2&utm_term=2wP9azvd4

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/MHAWh