Sunday 15th September saw the participants of a charity Rickshaw Ride across India officially launch their campaign. The initiative, organised by Sewa UK, will see some 90 international participants ride 2500km in 30 ricksahws to raise funds and awareness for the charity, Coclhea Pune.

The Mayor of Brent Cllr Ezeajugh and Leader of Brent Council Cllr Mohammed Butt, were among the dignitaries that joined the participants of the Rickshaw Ride, attending the official launch event. This fundraising campaigning is specifically to help Cochlea Pune expand its operations.

Cochlea Pune is a growing charitable trust that specialises in supporting congenitally born deaf children from the age of 0 – 6, and aims to directly address challenges such as 800 children being born deaf every year in Pune, with some 650 of those not having access to appropriate education. Cochlea Pune aims to support early detection and intervention, and now supports over 125 children to help them hear and speak.