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Ipswich lecturer's Olympic boxing protégé sends emotional thank you from Paris

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An Ipswich college lecturer received a heartfelt message from the Olympic boxer he's trained since childhood as the athlete prepares to compete in Paris.

Ipswich resident, Simon Mullan, a 47-year-old welding lecturer at Suffolk New College, has coached boxer Lewis Richardson, 27, for 14 years.

Richardson, from Colchester, will compete in the 71kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Simon Mullan and Lewis Richardson standing next to eachother
Simon Mullan and Lewis RichardsonSimon Mullan

Why it matters: Behind nearly every sporting success is a story of huge personal sacrifice and dedication, not just from the athlete, but from family, friends, coaches, teachers and mentors. It's important that in moments like this, these people get the recognition they deserve.

How we got here: Richardson's journey to the Olympics has been challenging:

  • He won a test event in Tokyo before Covid-19 disrupted the previous games

  • His original 75kg weight category was eliminated, forcing him to lose 4kg to qualify

  • Mullan supported him throughout these setbacks

What they're saying: Richardson sent Mullan a postcard from Paris, writing:

"To Simon -- we did it. Olympian forever. Just a quick message to thank you for supporting me -- from a boy to a man. I am very grateful. You have been far more than just a coach in boxing -- you have been my mother, a father, a friend, a physio, nutritionist and much much more. Always here. Olympics here we come."

Mullan's reaction: "That choked me up. When you get back from holiday you get the holiday blues -- then I saw the postcard -- and it was such a nice touch."

What's next:

  • Mullan won't attend the Olympics, as he'll be refereeing the school's boxing European Championships in Bosnia

  • He aims to referee at future Olympics

  • Suffolk New College  plans to invite Richardson to speak with students after the games

The bottom line: While Mullan can't be in Paris, he'll be cheering Richardson on from his home in Ipswich, hoping his protégé can bring home an Olympic medal. Ipswich needs more Simon Mullans.

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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