The Etape du Tour is done and dusted…I did it.. That was probably one of the toughest events I have ever done. Never again springs to mind…!
It was amazing most of the time and agony some of the time.
Thoughts that immediately spring to mind now were the intense heat during the climbs, the crowds lining the route and screaming at me “Allez Allez” and “Bravo madame” which made for an emotional moment at one stage. What with the enormity of the day and of all the months of preparation beforehand, and of course the people this would help in Africa, this was one fine day out and an experience I’ll never forget. |
Of the 10,000 starters, 1499 did not finish. I came in 3143 place in 9 hours 16 minutes, still in one piece and so thrilled just to finish on top of the Col de Tourmalet I couldn’t stop grinning!
Thanks to everyone who sponsored me. I did think of you all along the way and also especially of the people in Ghana who we will help in November.
Dee Richards |
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We asked Nana Kofi Adjei Imbeah, the GES Metropolitan Directorate, Sekondi-Takoradi a few questions after his visit to Plymouth during Ghana Week |
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Energy and Infectious Rhythm from Sabey!The musical duo Sabey caused a stir during Ghana Week. Their busy schedule included running workshops with schools at Plymouth Music Zone, Lipson Vale Primary School, the Devonport Art in the Community Event, the Link Reception at the University and performing on BBC Radio Devon. |
Sabey at the Devonport Art in the Community Event
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Click to download and listen to the BBC Radio Devon interview>>
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“For the past 6 months you might have noticed I have been spending a lot of time on my bike. The reason is twofold. I wanted to set myself a personal challenge of riding the L’Etape du Tour and at the same time raise money for the charity Operation Hernia.”
“This year the event is in the Pyrenees on 18th July and along with 9,500 other riders I’ll be on the start line ready for 181km of road racing, climbing 3 mountain cols (all 13,530 ft of them!) with the finish on top of the biggest hill, the Col de Tourmalet at 6633ft.”
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Please help support Dee Richards by making a donation however small. Visit http://www.justgiving.com/Dee-Richards |
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Pat Frean and Cletus Moisob from Plymouth High School for Girls recently visited Ahantaman Secondary School to attend the final PTA meeting before Mrs. Evelyn Osei retired as Headteacher. Awards were presented to both sides in mutual recognition of the commitment and vision brought to sustaining the partnership between the two schools. Evelyn had long had a dream to build a Skills Centre at the school and even at the last hour was campaiging to gain recognition.
Cletus and Pat were able to arrange a meeting with a Minister of State, and through him with the Minister of Education. At the time of writing it looks very hopeful that Ahantaman will be having its new building started in 2010.
The Minister of State for Education who has sent a video message of support for the launch of Ghana Week!
Mrs. Osei, Cletus Moisob and Pat Frean (left to right) |
Cletus Moisob and the Minister of State for Education |
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Read the comments left in the ‘Enormous Scrapbook’ kept by the Community Xchange Participants during the Plymouth visit>>
“The beach is mostly flooded with a category of people; ones with emotional attachments. It means Cx is more than just a group for learning and sharing, but that we actually see ourselves as one. It was lovely” |
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Read about the Community Events organised as part of the Community Xchange>>
Read Agnes’ account of her time in Bolgatanga>>My time in Bolga, Ghana has been a massive emotional experience and a significant, life changing journey… |
From an African’s EyesRead Stephen Atalebe’s account of the the Community Xchange in Bolgatana>> |
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