A fundraiser to support Newcastle rider Tommy Edwards as he departs on his quest to win the World Supersport 300 Championship was held on Thursday 22 February at Mavericks Sports Bar. Local motorcycling identities spoke on the night including Stephen Gall, Jamie Stauffer, Broc Parkes, Todd Wiltshire and Keith Davies. Corporate support on the night was overwhelming, with great prizes up for grabs including a trip to France to watch the final round. Competing businesses put rivalry aside to help the young Novocastrian. Brisans Motorcycles is running a GoFundMe page, while Graeme Boyd Motorcycles Bikebiz are onboard as sponsors.

Tom and his mum Donna have now left for Holland, basing themselves in the Netherlands with the team mechanic. Tom will be able to work three days a week in a motorcycle shop. The GoFundMe campaign is still active at gofundme.com/supporting-a-local-sports-star.

His first race is in Aragon over 13-15 April.