Communities Empowerment Network (CEN), commemorates its founder and director Gerry German

My long-time cycling buddy Deuan German cycles across the Alps to reflect on the life and work of his father and CEN director Gerry German. Everyone who was fortunate to meet Gerry knows he was a living legend. His work at CEN supported those who faced exclusion from the education system, exclusion in society generally - especially young people coming from black and minority ethnic groups.

I've known Gerry for about 10 years and was fortunate enough to help CEN relocate next to the Embrace office 3 years ago (...rather selfishly as I liked working with Deuan and Gerry and its always nice to have inspiring people close to you). Gerry would come in every other day, look around out office and say: "There is an air of productivity in here, its unbelievable" or he'd ask "How is everyone doing? GREAT! thats very good" - not taking "ok, so-so" for an answer. 

The last day I saw Gerry was the day before he died. Gerry would tirelessly make his way to hearings, into the office and go about his business as if he was a young person - aged 84! On that afternoon where I saw him last he left his office whistling some tune, wishing me a lovely evening and said: 

PEACE & LOVE 

please support CEN & their great work, check their website to see how to get involved! Here is what Deuan said about his cycling trip: "Geneva to Marseille - 500 miles over 9 days through the high alps passing up several high passes - magnificent views, clean air, the great outdoors. It was a great opportunity to get away and take stock of life and spend some time reflecting on the life of my father and what he meant for me and for other people."

 Without further ado, here Deuan's video of his cycle trip!