Inspirational key worker, Zak Brophy, originally from St Albans, today returned from the trip of a lifetime, cycling 1,200 miles through rural Namibia and Botswana to help developing communities and conservation projects. Accompanying and supporting two young homeless people from Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity for homeless and socially excluded young people aged 16-25, Zak and his team mates on the ‘Cycle of Life’ ride have returned exhausted but exhilarated.

A key worker at Centrepoint’s Buffy House service in London for homeless young people, Zak accompanied two young people; Xavier from Centrepoint’s Camden service and Damian living at Centrepoint’s Derwentside service. They joined the team for a month, on the first leg of a journey which will continue to cross seven countries over four months and travel some 5,000 miles through 20 rural conservation projects along the way.

The expedition was in aid of the work of Tusk Trust, which initiates and funds conservation and community development programmes across Africa. Tusk and Centrepoint were brought together by Prince William who is patron for the two, and launched the cycle ride in April. Along their journey Zak and his teammates have visited some incredible projects and seen amazing scenes such as wildlife including baboons, elephants, poisonous snakes and flamingos, a far cry from the landscapes Zak is surrounded by in the UK!

Zak said:

“Visiting the projects has been so inspiring. I learnt an enormous amount about the importance of being proactive and showing determination in life and will take that with me and make the most out of everything that I do.”

Carrying all of his kit including clothes, food, water and a tent on his bike; cycling through torrential hail storms in Namibia’s rainy season and across barren salt pans with relentless scorching heat in Botswana, Zak showed determination and strength of mind to cycle such demanding distances through challenging terrain, supporting the young men at every stage of their journey.

Welcoming Zak home, Centrepoint Chief Operating Officer Seyi Obakin, said:

“The staff and young people across Centrepoint are so grateful to Zak for all of the energy and dedication that he has shown over the last month. I know that Damian and Xavier have benefited enormously from the expedition and much of that is down to Zak’s support which has been extremely commendable. I am thrilled that the team had such an incredibly life enhancing experience. All of their hard work and preparation was worth it.”

On returning, Zak said:

“I have had the most amazing experience. The highlight for me was to be able to see Xavier and Damian grow. I have been astounded by their commitment and positive attitude in everything that they did and saw. It was a real privilege to be able to work with them and so satisfying to be instrumental in boosting their confidence and helping focus their direction in life as they took on challenges they were met with.”

ENDS

For more information about Centrepoint, or for pictures and interviews please contact Alex Bolton at Centrepoint on Tel: 020 7423 6887 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Notes to editors:

Picture shows (left to right) Centrepoint Director of services Clare Norton, Centrepoint Chief operating officer, Seyi Obakin presenting Zak Brophy with a certificate to congratulate him on his commendable efforts.

About Centrepoint

• Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded homeless young people.  It provides a range of accommodation based services, including emergency night shelters and short stay hostels, specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders, young single parents, foyers and supported flats and floating support services. These accommodation services provide the foundations from which young people can start tackling the issues that lead to them becoming homeless, and developing the skills they need for a sustainable future

• Centrepoint is a leading national charity that successfully prevents and tackles youth homelessness

• HRH Prince William became Centrepoint’s patron in 2005

• Since 1969 Centrepoint has helped more than 70,000 young people

• At any one time Centrepoint works with over 800 young people.

• For further information about the work of Centrepoint, see www.centrepoint.org