A look back at Rich’s return to Perpignan

24th November 2011

Richard Parks returned to the South of France and to former club USA Perpignan (USAP) recently and it was a weekend to remember with the club’s president, staff and fans all welcoming Richard back as a guest of honour at their clash against Agen.

Richard played for the French side in 2006/07 and new president Paul Gaze invited Richard back to the club to raise awareness of his world first 737 Challenge.

FUNDRAISING

The club allowed Richard and his 737 Challenge team to have a bucket collection at the game and promote the challenge to the fans and people of Perpignan and the region.  Fans flocked to meet Richard and buy their own 737 Challenge official T-shirt, which is designed by French clothing company Rugby Division.  This raised the awareness of Richard’s achievements and his quest to raise £1m in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

THE MATCH

Kick off was also extra special with Richard taking to the field again alongside cancer survivor Jules Raspaud who battled with cancer from the age of 3 years old and is now in remission.  He kicked off the game alongside Richard who was honoured to start the match with Jules; “He is an incredible lad and not only was it an honour to start the game in front of all the fans and be back on the pitch but to have him there with me and hear his story about how brave he had been was just amazing”.

AFTER THE GAME

Richard’s French was put fully to the test when he was invited to speak after the game at the Chairman’s dinner and address dignitaries, sponsors and former players on his 737 Challenge.

The talk proved a huge success and USAP president Paul Gaze has invited Richard back to host a fundraising dinner in 2012.

RETURNING TO PERPIGNAN

It was a proud weekend for Richard who stated; “I’m proud of my association and connection with USAP and was blown away by the overwhelming support by not just the club and the new president but all the people from the Perpignan region”.

“It was fantastic to go back and see old friends, make new friends and see new faces.  I am really grateful for the donations of over £700 at the match and really excited by the invitation to return in the New Year to arrange more of a formal fundraising event”.

“I was fortunate that a friend of mine John Fletcher helped organise the weekend and I am very much thankful to him and to Perpignan president Paul Gaze for all their support.  I was genuinely blown away by how receptive the people and the town were and it was a fantastic weekend”.

VIEW ALL THE PICTURES FROM PERPIGNAN
HEAR RICHARD TALK ABOUT HIS CHALLENGE IN FRENCH & WATCH THE VIDEO AT PERPIGNAN