A team of cyclists are hitting the road to raise funds for the DCC Chairman’s charity.
Cllr Jan Blakey, the newly appointed chairman of Durham County Council, has chosen the North East Autism Society (NEAS) as her good cause during her time in office.
To help get fundraising off to a flying start, a team of cyclists named Team NEAS, led by fellow councillor Peter Brookes, aim to cycle from Trimdon in County Durham to Vauxhall, London on Saturday, June 20.
They hope to complete the 270 mile run non-stop and will be using the summer solstice to give them maximum daylight to crack the epic ride.
NEAS, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, provides a wide range of services and support to people and families affected by autism- a condition which affects how people process information and see the world.
There are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism and it is believed 26,000 of them live in the North East of England.
It is estimated that one in every 100 people live with autism, an invisible disability which often leaves people feeling lonely and misunderstood.
Cllr Blakey said: “Earlier this year I went to the opening of the society’s new Sir Peter Vardy Enterprise centre at Thornbeck College in Newton Aycliffe and saw first-hand the fantastic work which the society does to help people living with this challenging condition.”
John Phillipson, chief executive of NEAS and also taking part in the ride, said: “We are very grateful to Cllr Blakey for supporting us in our work and to Peter and his council colleagues for helping us with the cycle challenge.
“The society is 35-years-old this year and we have a wide range of events planned throughout the year for people to enjoy and help us celebrate the achievements of the young people and adults we support.”
To sponsor the cycle ride go to: www.justgiving.com/TeamNEAS or text donate NEAS80 (followed by your donation amount) to 70070.
Those taking part are:
Cllr Peter Brookes, councillor for Trimdon and Thornley, John Philipson, chief executive, NEAS, David Shipman, strategic manager, adult commissioning, Durham County Council, Andrew Gilmore, finance manager, Durham County Council and Kieran Brookes, senior administrator, City University, London.