Albion charity ride from Brussels to Cologne raises Â£35,000

A 146-mile bike ride between Brussels and Cologne raised more than Â£35,000 for a charity that supports people with a disability.

More than 30 cyclists took part in Albion in the Community’s (AITC) ride between the Belgian and German cities and money raised by the event will help fund the charity’s football sessions for people with a disability.

AITC, the charity arm of Brighton and Hove Albion, runs 30 sessions throughout Sussex which are attended by more than 300 people every fortnight.

These cost between £1,800 and £5,000 a year to run.

Cyclists raised more than 35,000 for Albion's charity

The mother of one of AITC’s regular participants spoke out about the impact the charity has had on her son.

Leanne Sammars, whose 20-year-old son Ryan has autism and has been playing football with AITC for four years, said: “When Ryan began with AITC he was introverted, did not like new experiences and had never found enjoyment in sport.

"Over the past four years we have seen him go from a boy who struggled to kick and pass a ball, to someone who can't wait for his next session.

“You cannot imagine the joy that these sessions bring.

“Fundraising events like the bike ride help AITC change lives in so many ways and I cannot thank the people who took part enough.”