A BRAVE woman whose son was killed in a biking accident is hoping to ride a motorcycle in a bid to raise money for charity.

Margaret Willis, aged 62, from Lavender Road, Farnworth, wants to ride as a pillion passenger for the first time.

She feels it is something she needs to do to help her come to terms with her son Gareth's death in 1999.

Mrs Willis hopes to go on a 98-mile sponsored round trip in September from her home to Blackpool to raise money for a mental health drop-in centre she runs with her husband, Geoff. But first she needs someone to come forward to ride the bike with her on pillion.

The person she had initially lined up has since moved out of the area.

Mrs Willis said: "I would like a motorbike rider to come forward and give me a few lessons in riding pillion before going on the big trek to Blackpool with me.

"I do not need to be wrapped up in cotton wool, but I have back problems so I need someone who is caring and would be gentle with me.

"I'm very frightened and nervous but I feel this is something I should have done when my son was alive.

"When he first got the bike he wanted me to go round the block on it and I never did and now I feel guilty."

Gareth, aged 29, died from the severe head injuries he suffered in a hit-and-run motorbike accident on Cleggs Lane, Little Hulton, in 1999. His seven-year-old son Joseph was riding as a pillion passenger and suffered leg injuries.

Mrs Willis, who has suffered mental health problems, was made the Bolton Evening News Woman of the year in 1997-98.

Before he died, Gareth suggested that his mum and dad set up a drop-in centre and the couple decided to open one in his memory in 2000.

The BASSET drop-in centre is open on Mondays and Wednesdays at Farnworth Social Circle Cricket Club.

It costs £9,500 a year to run and has had lottery funding in the past, but the couple need to raise more money to keep it going.

A few years ago Mrs Willis did a sponsored wash of the entire Bolton Wanderers squad's muddy football kits, which raised £800 and hopes that the motorbike trip can raise more than that.

Mr Willis will be following the bike to make sure his wife is all right. He said: "She really wants to do this, and I just hope someone can offer their services so it can become into reality."

If anyone can help, either driving a motorbike or would like to sponsor Mrs Willis, contact her on 01204 604154.