LOCAL CHARITY SEEKING CYCLISTS FOR ONE OF A KIND BIKE RIDE TO FRANCE

A local charity is looking for serious cyclists to take part in a unique sponsored bike ride from Farnborough to its twin town of Meudon in France.

Only twenty places are available for the three-day trip this September. It is organised by Parity for Disability, which provides services and support for young people with multiple disabilities in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Participants will enjoy an official send-off from Parity's Farnborough day centre on Monday 3rd September, and after an overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth the Le Havre, will travel through scenic Northern France before arriving on Wednesday 5th September at Meudon.

The Twinning Association of Rushmoor has organised a hero's welcome at Meudon, where the Municipal Police will guide the group into the town's centre for a welcome from the Mayor and a celebratory supper.

"The Twinning Association is delighted to be able to help arrange a warm welcome in Rushmoor's French twin town of Meudon for the Parity bike ride challenge participants and support staff," said the Association's Coordinator Alison Boukhobza. "It's a great idea and the Association will also be sponsoring the event."

The group will be treated to a tour of Meudon next day before returning home via Eurostar.

Although it is not a competitive race, participants need to be in good physical condition and will be expected to travel at an average speed of 15mph. They will need to pay a £50 fee and raise at least £450 in sponsorship.

"We rely on the local community to help bring in at least £50,000 each year to maintain Parity's services. This is a bike ride with a difference and we hope it will raise at least £9,500 towards our goal," said Parity Business Manager Helene Abbiss. "Those taking part will be ensuring the survival of a vital local charity."

For more information, please contact Helene or Bernadette at the Parity office, 01252 375581 or info@parityfordisability.org.uk . To download the application pack, please visit the events page at  www.parityfordisability.org.uk .

Parity was also advised in putting together the event by Donald Ashton of the Farnborough and Camberley Cycling Club.

Businesses interested in providing sponsorship for the event should get in touch as opportunities are available to sponsor nutrition, accommodation and the ferry crossing to France.

About Parity

Parity for Disability is a local charity providing vital services, information and support to children and young adults with multiple disabilities in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, and identifying the individual requirements of clients, their families and carers. The organisation runs two day centres in Farnborough and Camberley, teenage activity schemes, and a music therapy service that operates both on-site and in homes and schools. Parity is registered charity no 1071571. For more information, write to 94 Whetstone Road, Cove, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 9SX; telephone 01252 375581; e-mail info@parityfordisability.org.uk or visit www.parityfordisability.org.uk .