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Accord trio saddle up to raise funds for charity

An adventurous trio who work at one of the largest housing groups in the Midlands will go the extra mile for charity when they cycle more than 250 miles to France in just 72 hours.

Anil Farmah, Dale Jackson and Graham Robinson, who all work for the Accord Group based in West Bromwich, will pedal their way to Paris in three days to raise hundreds of pounds for the Group’s charity of the year, Dogs for the Disabled.

Starting in Kent on Saturday, 3 September, the intrepid trio will cycle through the French countryside taking in the sights of Chartwell House and Amiens Cathedral before arriving at their final destination, the Palace of Versailles on Monday, 5 September.

Group Learning and Development Manager Anil Farmah, aged 43 from Northfield, Finance Assistant Dale Jackson, aged 39 from Rowley Regis, and Internal Auditor Graham Robinson, aged 48 from Sutton Coldfield, are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Dogs for the Disabled.

Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity that trains assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities, and families with a child with autism.

Through practical tasks the dogs offer freedom and independence, but in addition an assistance dog becomes a reason to go out, giving a new found confidence that opens doors to fresh opportunities including friendships, hobbies, education and even careers.

Anil Farmah, who has worked for Accord for two years and is leading the charity team, said: “We are all keen cyclists who love a challenge so when we found out about the London to Paris cycle ride we were determined to get on board.

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a charity that really does change the lives of people with disabilities, giving them freedom, independence and a friend all in one. If we all give a little back we make a lot of difference.”

Cathryn Simpson, Corporate Partnerships Manager for Dogs for the Disabled, said: “We are really pleased to be the charity partner for the Accord Group and really do appreciate the support from the team on their cycle ride. This will raise much needed funds for the charity as we don’t receive any Government funding and rely purely on donations like this; we wish them lots of luck.”

The Accord Group, a not-for-profit social landlord which provides 11,000 affordable homes and services to 40,000 people across the Midlands, supports a charity each year which is voted for by staff. As well as supporting Dogs for the Disabled, Accord has previously raised funds for the NSPCC and Macmillan Cancer Support.

To sponsor the cyclists, go to www.justgiving.com/anil-farmah

The London to Paris cycle ride is being organised by charity the British Heart Foundation. The cyclists will also raise £750 for the charity.