AITC Brighton to Paris bike ride
Image by: Joel Essex
PUBLISHED
10:46 20th June 2014
by Joel Essex
All the cyclists have put in a huge amount of effort in terms of their training and fundraising."
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards
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Staff from Brighton & Hove Albion, Albion in the Community (AITC), American Express and Albion fans set off from the Amex this morning for the first ever AITC Brighton to Paris bike ride. The 55 riders, which included club CEO Paul Barber and AITC chief executive Michael Edwards, were led on their way out of the stadium for the 130-mile cycle to the French capital by 21 year-old Jadey Richardson.Jadey, who has cerebral palsy, is part of AITC's power chair football team and has been involved with the charity's disability programme since the age of six.
The riders are all raising money for Jadey's Dream, a fundraising appeal recently set up by Jadey and AITC which aims to give more disabled people across Sussex the chance to take part in sport. To date the bike ride has raised £27,000 but AITC hope that figure will rise to £35,000.
The cyclists set off at 7.30am peddling the short distance to Newhaven, before taking the the ferry crossing to Dieppe. Once in France, they will complete a further 50 miles to the small town of Gournay en Bray in south Normandy. Tomorrow, they will complete another 70 miles, arriving in Paris and finishing at the Palace of Versailles in the early evening.
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Shortly before leading the riders off from the Amex, Jadey told seagulls.co.uk, "It was fantastic to lead everyone off this morning and see them on their way to Paris. The money that has been raised will make a huge difference to our appeal. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to get involved in sport through AITC and the bike ride will give more young people the opportunities to do the same."Michael Edwards, Albion in the Community chief executive, added, "All the cyclists have put in a huge amount of effort in terms of their training and fundraising. I'm sure there will be a few aching muscles by the time we get to Paris, but it will all be worth it."
The bike ride is supported by American Express and the GIANT bike store in Shoreham, who are providing a support team as part of the event.
Click hereto donate to the bike ride. Anyone who donates £10 or more up until 7pm on Monday 30th June will be entered into a draw to win an exclusive lunch with Inigo Calderon.
Original article