Betreff: Clipper Race Start - Competition Winner
Absender: Loretta Spridgeon
Empfänger: lspridgeon@clipper-ventures.com
Datum: 24. Oct 2002 17:47

14-YEAR-OLD TO START THE CLIPPER RACE
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A 14-year-old charity fundraiser has received the "surprise of her life" -
by being chosen to start Clipper 2002, the longest round the world yacht
race.

Francesca D'arcy, 14, who was inspired by the wife of the late Roy Castle to
start fundraising for charities, will help start the Clipper 2002 race in
Liverpool on Sunday, October 27.

Francesca, unknowingly nominated by classmate Leane Kinsella, will receive a
host of prizes as well as the honour to signal the 2pm start of the 35,000
mile race.

A pupil at St Edwards College, the West Derby teenager has quietly raised
more than £20,000 for cancer charities in less than five years and is
currently trying to raise a further £6,000 for a special mattress for
patients at the Marie Curie Hospice.

Leanne, 14, had written in to the city council saying: "Fran has unselfishly
raised money for charitable causes since junior school. She solely organises
yearly charity events and is tirelessly raising thousands of pounds for
those less fortunate than herself. Fran deserves something in recognition of
all her achievements."

On hearing she had been chosen out of more than 100 nominations, Francesca
replied: "I'm shocked. I'd never given it a thought I'd be nominated for
anything like this. I don't fundraise to be recognised. I just try to do it
without any fuss. This is overwhelming. I can't believe Leanne kept that a
secret!"

The pair will be meeting tomorrow (Friday, October 25) at 11am at the Albert
Dock to receive their prizes and instructions for the big day. Francesca has
nominated her mum Teresa to enjoy the VIP treatment.

Besides triggering the countdown to the 35,000-mile race in front of
thousands of people the trio will also be made VIP's for the day, meeting
clipper crew members and celebrities.

The Clipper 2002 race will begin at 2pm on the River Mersey, marking the
first time the international event will begin outside the south coast. After
11 months of racing the fleet will finish back in Liverpool in September
2003.

Councillor Warren Bradley, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said:
"It was not easy choosing a winner for this competition. There were a lot of
people who deserved this prize and some of the stories were very
heartbreaking. But the reason we chose Francesca is because the Clipper Race
has been all about giving people amazing opportunities and that is exactly
what Francesca has been doing.

"We've also tried to engage young people in this event as much as possible
and teach them about the world. In a way Francesca has set an example that
can teach us all some fundamentals about life."

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, race organiser, expressed his delight upon learning
the winner's identity. He said, "I know Liverpool City Council have worked
very hard to engage the local community in the Clipper 2002 race and this is
particularly evident here in Albert Dock where we, the skippers and crews,
have all received an especially warm welcome.

"This is another tremendous opportunity for local involvement and I wish our
lucky competition winner Francesca a wonderful time this Sunday."
ENDS

PHOTO-CALL/MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

EVENT: Clipper Race start winner Francesca D'arcy and nominator Leane
Kinsella receive prizes from Cllr Warren Bardley and Clipper Race Director
Colin de Mowbray

LOCATION: Liverpool Albert Dock (by Tate Gallery)

DATE: Friday, October 25

TIME: 11am

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Loretta Spridgeon
Clipper 2002 Media & PR Manager
Tel: 0151 707 9369
Mob: 07773 818586
Website: www.clipper-ventures.com

Mike Doran
Liverpool City Council
Tel: 0151 225 5582
Mobile: 0780 145 3918


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