4th August 2006 - TARMAC HELPS HANDSPRING RICKY TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2007

Tarmac has sponsored 14 year old Ricky Blampied from Derby with £1,000 to help fund his trip to the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai, China.

Ricky, son of BDP employee Terry Blampied, was given just a 20 per cent chance of survival after being born 16 weeks premature. He has, however, beaten the odds and although he now suffers from epilepsy, has avrious learning difficulties and has also battled a range of serious ilnesses including meningitis and several brain haemorrhages, he has found his calling.

"Many people would have been quick to presume that Ricky would never achieve very much," said his mom, Debbie Blampied, "until he discovered gymnastics."

After competing at Birmingham's Special Olympics gymnastic competition and winning seven silver medals, Ricky was selected to compete in the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai, an achievement that represents a real turning point in Ricky's life.

Terry Last, aggregate products director for Tarmac said: "We are very pleased that we have been able to help Ricky on his journey by sponsoring him £1,000. We all wish Ricky every success in the competition - we'll certianly be cheering for him!"

Despite this generous donation by Tarmac, individual competitors are required to raise £2,000, meaning Ricky still needs to raise a further £1,000. If you would like to sponsor Ricky, and help make his dream come true, please contact Terry Blampied on 07910 302327.