MP Stephen Gilbert visits Outpost Housing Project, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

It was a pleasure and a privilege for me to meet Stephen Gilbert on Saturday 22nd October 2011 when he visited  Outpost Housing Project the charity of which I am Patron. 

Stephen Gilbert MP and Ellen Dean - Patron

Stephen was impressed to learn that Outpost (established in 1995) helps and supports young people aged between 16 and 25 who identify as LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans) and who are either homeless, have a housing need, or are facing discrimination.


Stephen met and talked with some of the young people who have been helped by Outpost and who are now doing very well.

Stephen Gilbert MP, Ellen Dean - Patron, Wendy Hodgson - Service Manager, Graeme Sawyers - Project Worker

Stephen is MP for St. Austell and Newquay and is currently a member of the Select Committee for Communities and Local Government and the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing. He is also one of 22 openly gay MPs in the House of Commons.


In Parliament, Stephen's policy interests include affordable housing and planning policy, as well as international affairs, civil liberties and the environment.


As a point of interest Outpost Housing Project is the only project of its kind in the UK. Stephen is keen to be kept up to date of the happenings with Outpost and I look forward to working with him in this respect.

Ellen Dean

Zip Slide in aid of Cystic Fibrosis - Gateshead to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

My niece Amy Addison and cousin Val Brennan Zip across the river Tyne from the top of The Baltic Art Gallery - Gateshead side - to the Newcastle Quayside in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. Well done to all who took part :-)

If you would like to support this charity please go to CF Trust

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Lands End to John O' Groats Cycle Ride In Aid Of Cystic Fibrosis

On September 3rd 2011 my cousin - Paul Brennan - along with a small group of men and women set off  to cycle from Lands End to John O' Groats. A journey of 1000 miles.

Paul was doing this mammoth ride/journey in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Society.

Paul (right) his mum Valerie and nephew Ethan check out the route

They braved the weather, rain and high winds all the way to Penrith in Cumbria (Sunday 11th) where we met up with them on our way back from Aviemore. What we didn't know until we met up was that the day before (Saturday) one of the team had had a tragic and fatal accident. The group had been unsure of whether to carry on with their ride or not, but decided that they would continue in her memory.

They were past the half way mark when they stopped for a rest and a picnic at Langwathby near Penrith. The weather was not kind - it was raining and blowing a gale thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Katia starting to batter north east Britain and Scotland - but that didn't deter this team. They were not looking forward to cycling over the Forth Bridge today Tuesday 13th September and I can't help but worry about them.

Time for some carbs

From left to right
Catherine, Paul, their mum Val, Catherine's son Ethan and Ellen

I have never met a more determined and courageous group of people who intend to complete the ride in memory of their lost friend and for their charities. My hat goes off to all of them. If you see them on route please give them your support.

The team arrived at John O' Groats Saturday September 17th 2011. Well done all.