THE chairman of a Bradford-based club for disabled people wants to put the group “on the map”.

Akbar Khan is keen to raise the profile of Bradford PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) and attract new members.

The 52-year-old said PHAB - which is part of a national initiative - has been open in Bradford since 1972.

Mr Khan said: “In Bradford, you have a lot of disabled children and no-one seems to know our club exists. We are running out of disabled members. I know there are lots of parents out there looking for somewhere to send their child.”

He added: “We are about inclusion and seeing the ability, not the disability. It is all about inclusion, having fun together and making new friends.

“It is an opportunity to make new friends, to feel like you are wanted and that you should not let your disability put you off from being able to do activities.

“The smile you see on their faces and that feeling you get when you see how happy they are, is the reason you do it.”

The club meets on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8.30pm, at Mappa Building, Coates Street West, West Bowling. It costs £1 a week.

“We have got all sorts of activities,” said Mr Khan. “At the moment we are doing archery.

“We have a pool table, we do cricket and football - anything they want to do. It is the kids that decide what they want to do.

“We do things like summer trips to the seaside, the zoo, and to parks. Wherever they want to go, we take them. I want to put Bradford PHAB club on the map and give parents some respite. I am trying to target a younger audience.”

Mr Khan has been involved with the club for more than 35 years.

“I started because I had two disabled brothers,” he said. “In their memory I wanted to carry it on.”

Mr Khan said his brothers suffered with muscular dystrophy and both died aged 16.

Mr Khan is also on the lookout for a garage that can help look after a mini-bus that the charity has recently had donated.

“The mini-bus is a god-send,” he said. “We need the bus to take them everywhere. We are looking for a garage or business to donate a yearly service and MOT, and discount on repairs - which would be amazing.

“In return, I will put the company’s logo on the bus. It is pretty much free sponsorship on the side of the bus for an MOT and service.

“We do all our own fundraising. Any help anyone can give us would be greatly appreciated.”

For more details, or to help, contact Mr Khan on 07850 964864 or via email at aky.khan@hotmail.co.uk.

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