Story
Dylan Rich died on 5th September 2021 following a sudden cardiac arrest while playing football. He was 17 years old. I am starting this fundraiser on the 17th January, the day Dylan would have been 20, running until the event day on April 6th.
I met Dylan during the summer camps at CIS, where I learnt of his footballing talents and kindheartedness. He was an amazing player, friend and christian who was truly committed to everything he did. Along with Jonah, the three of us got on incredibly well in Monkton and used to chat regularly throughout the year, updating one another on our football progress!
This was no ordinary boy, this is someone who was supremely talented, both on and off the football pitch. I remember his lethal left foot, his athleticism, his desire for positive change and he's someone whose life is worth celebrating.
Dylan loved football and Nottingham Forest in particular, so the tributes from the club, from England during their world cup qualifier against Poland and all of the efforts from his friends and family, West Bridgford Football Club and School have all been incredible. Details of this can be found here- https://dylanrichlegacy.co.uk . Now it's my turn!
So the event is Paris Roubaix 2024, on April 6th, which is a gruelling 150km bike race across Northern France. This is a historic event, dating back to the 1930s, which the professionals regard as one of the hardest on the calendar, due to the cobblestones which account for around 40km of the route! Throughout the course, I will have to average 28kmh on the road and 14kmh on the cobbles in order to finish, meaning I better get training now!
'His family and friends were determined that his death should leave a lasting legacy, one that reflects Dylan’s passions. A legacy fund has been established and this is being used to support causes close to Dylan’s heart. Those who knew and loved him are continuing to explore other ways in which to support those causes. In November 2022 the fund became an official charity.
Two charity partners of the legacy fund are now in place and receiving funding. The first of these is Belong, a Nottingham based charity supporting migrants of all backgrounds. Dylan’s fund is supporting access to football for young people within the Belong community. The second charity partner is Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, in Kenya. Dylan’s fund is supporting projects to protect wildlife habitats and the livelihoods of local people. More information about these projects is on our charity partner page.'
Much of this information was lifted from the official website, which you can see here-
