Elfneh attends the "Together We Are Stronger" Community Reception at the House of Parliament















Dr Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow invited Elfneh, representing AHEAD, to attend the "Together We Are Stronger" Community Reception, at The House of Parliament on Tuesday 21 June 11. The Walthamstow MP (centre in black and white)organised the annual reception to celebrate the diversity of Walthamstow which was held the evening in the House of Parliament. Dr Stella Creasy MP and the special guests: Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office addressed the community representative and the guests. The speakers highlighted that event was an opportunity for people to come together in Parliament with such special guests and showcase the contribution of local residents from black and ethnic minority backgrounds to Walthamstow's future. Alongside a performance from local singing troupe Vocalicious, there were light refreshments and plenty of opportunities to network with other local residents and community representatives. The event was held in the Jubilee Room from 7 to 8.30pm. Dressed in his traditional costume, Elfneh discussed AHEAD’s efforts with many people during the networking session.

AHEAD Bike Ride in Pictures


Getting ready for the ride


Dr Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, addressing the cyclists, http://www.workingforwalthamstow.org.uk/?page_id=2


Elfneh, Welcoming Dr Helen Pankhurst


Talking with Dr Creasy, MP


L-R, Teshale Joba, Dr Helen Pankhurst and Elfneh. Leslie Stowe (MBE), the President of Chingford Rotary Club, greeted the cyclists and gave awards and certificates to them at the end


Discussion time!

Leslie Stowe with two young keen cyclists

Elfneh chatting with Dr Helen Pankhurst after her outstanding speech to the cyclists and AHEAD's supporters

Concentrating on the challenge


Fun in Epping Forest


Gathering at the world's first anti-war memorial erected by Sylvia Pankhurst in 1935 http://www.exploringeastlondon.co.uk/eel/Woodford/Woodford.htm#Mussolini


Ready to go again


Coral and Elfneh checking plans


Commitment to building the vocational training centre


Clear efforts


Still smiling




A proud crowd


North Weald Airfield Museum, another treat to a very historical site for the cyclists, the end of the first half for the 40 mile ride. A line at the site reads: “We give our today for your tomorrow.”

Elmfield Road, The finishing line and party time!

On Sunday 5 June 40 cyclists joined AHEAD (Action for Health, Education And Development) on a sponsored bike ride in the charity’s quest to raise £10,000 to build a vocational training centre and support a girls’ hostel in Ethiopia. Leaving from St James Park, Walthamstow, the cyclists first stop near Peter House where they were met by Dr Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow near Peter House, who pledged to support AHEAD’s work both in the UK and Ethiopia.




Riding through Epping Forest the cyclists then stopped at the little known but unique and first ever anti-war memorial in Woodford where they were greeted by Leslie Stowe, President of Chingford Rotary Club. Erected in 1935 by the well known suffragette, feminist and political activist, Sylvia Pankhurst) in opposition to the air strikes on Ethiopia by the Italian Army, the monument provided the backdrop to a short but passionate speech by Dr Helen Pankhurst.




Thinking about what her grandmother might have said had she been alive, Dr Pankhurst commented on the diversity of the assembled cyclists (age, gender, nationalities) who had all come together to support a common cause - raising money for a disadvantaged community. As the speech over finished and followed by an ovation, the first group of cyclists returned to Walthamstow whilst others went on to High Beach and North Weald Bassett Airfield the RAF museum, where they visited. Heavy rain on the return journey failed to dampen the spirits of the determined cyclists who completed the full 40 mile ride.

AHEAD is grateful to all cyclists, supporters, Walthamstow Cycling Campaign, Chingford Rotary Club, Susan Howard and Pedalpoint who contributed to the event’s immense success. To find out more about the charity and see highlights of the ride visit www.aheadcharity.org. Donations to help meet the fundraising target still urgently needed.