Cyclist returns home

9:39am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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A YOUTH worker from St Albans braved extreme weather to complete a 1,200 mile bike ride across the dusty plains of Africa with two homeless men.

Zak Brophy of Pond Field Crescent, who works for the UK's leading homeless charity Centre Point, tustled with torrential hail storms and scorching heat while cycling across the world's second largest continent in The Cycle of Life challenge.

But the 26-year-old former Verulam pupil did not do it alone - accompanying him on the challenging expedition was 19-year-old Damian and 24-year-old Xavier, who currently live in homeless shelters.

Carrying their survival kits on their backs, the trio peddled through Namibia, across the Kalahari Desert, and into Botswana - covering around 60 miles per day - to raise money for Tusk Trust, a charity which funds conservation and community programmes in Africa.

Zak described the trip as the most amazing experience of his life'.

He told of his close encounter with poisonous snakes and some rather excitable baboons, but insisted the highlight of the trip was watching Xavier and Damian grow.

He said: "I have been astounded by their commitment and positive attitude in everything 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."