A MOTORCYCLE rider has returned to his County Durham roots as he nears the end of a 22,000-mile marathon charity ride.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Ralph Dixon and his partner, Fionnuala Living-ston rode out of their home in Sydney, Australia, on their BMW F650 motorcycle in May.

They rode around Australia, before flying to Singapore with the aim of riding overland to London.

So far, they have clocked up 25 countries and have raised thousands of pounds for the MS Research Foundation.

Yesterday, the intrepid pair stopped off to visit relatives in Newton Aycliffe, where Mr Dixon grew up and lived until he was 11.

Mr Dixon, 42, who attended Woodham Burn Primary School, was diagnosed with MS in November 2000.

When he learned that few people knew about the condition, he decided to do something about it.

He and his partner have visited MS societies in each of the countries they have been to, participating in fundraising activities along the way and raising awareness of MS.

Mr Dixon said: "We've visited a lot of hospitals trying to give MS sufferers hope, and we've absolutely loved it.

"It's something that I would never have done until I became ill. I've visited countries like Pakistan and Iran, which I never would have done."

The couple set off for Edinburgh tomorrow, before visiting Dublin and arriving in London in a few days time for a reception at the Multiple Sclerosis Society headquarters.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the MS International Foundation should ring 0808 800 8000. The couple have a website - www.weride4ms.org - where they have recorded their adventures.