IT Company Kamazoy Takes on Pedal Power for Charity

As dawn breaks on Sunday 24th September 2017, businessman Daniel Dainty will get on his bike to undertake a personal and epic cycling challenge, joining 15,000 other cyclists as part of the inaugural Vélo Birmingham. The closed 100 mile road route will take riders on an unforgettable adventure from the city to countryside, with Daniel riding with cyclists connected to young people’s charity ‘Worth Unlimited’ and bicycle social enterprise ‘Gear Up’ – the team will pass through the picturesque counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire before returning to the finish line on Broad Street in Birmingham. Daniel, founder and director of Kamazoy Virtual IT Department, which has offices in Worcester and Birmingham explains why he decided to take part: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist but have spent too many years working on my computer, which isn’t always the best for my health. “When I launched Kamazoy 11 years ago I was determined to address my own health issues and to promote a healthier attitude to my team through incentives such as offering discounted fitness trackers, gym memberships, half-price bicycles, free health checks, and health food cashback incentives via Kamazoy partners. “Taking part in the Vélo Birmingham event is a great opportunity to get out on my bike and to have fun. In May I attended the Birmingham Bikeathon which helped raise money for blood cancer charities. That was 26 miles, and I was astounded to secure fourth place overall, particularly as it was my first event. That then gave me the courage, with support from the Gear Up team, to take part in the Worcester Classic 60-mile event, which we did, and I’m still standing!” Training with friends, Daniel has been regularly clocking-up at least 20 miles a week, with training now going up a gear in August ready for September to ensure he’s cycle-ready for the full 100 miles. Added Daniel: “Riding with Tim Evans, the CEO of the young people’s charity Worth Unlimited, and the Rector for Hodge Hill, Al Barrett, who looks after the Bromford Estate in East Birmingham, I will be raising money to support their work with young people and help unlock the potential in the community, and showcase the talents and strengths of young people who are, essentially, my neighbours! “For just the price of a coffee or a pint, all donations will directly help to improve the life prospects of a young person.” The Firs and Bromford is within the 3% most deprived in England according to the Indices of Deprivation 2015, with particular deprivation in employment, income and education, with the Hodge Hill constituency having the highest level of unemployment for young people aged 18-25 (8.8%) and specifically in Firs and Bromford the rate is as high as 22.5%. Worth Unlimited is a Christian youth work organisation that works to build hope, unlock potential and realise worth in young people facing a future with a poverty of resources such as access to jobs, poor education and low income, helping to build confidence, self-esteem and provide positive role models. Gear Up’s Manager, Dan Sandford-Smith, stated: “Gear Up was launched off the back of a Worth Unlimited training programme working with NEET young people about 5 years ago and continues to go from strength to strength. We have a vision to support local young people into training and or employment, whilst also offering a professional service to our loyal customers. “Sponsorship and support from companies like Kamazoy ensure we are able to continue our work with marginalised young people in Birmingham and provide them with opportunities to broaden their horizons and reach their full potential.” You can make a donation via Daniel’s Virgin Money Giving page: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ddainty