17/06/2025
ӽ紫ýHonorary Fellow awarded CBE in King’s Birthday Honours
David will set off on Friday 23 May, with his wife and two daughters each taking a six-day leg to join him on the journey. “My wife has the first leg,” David says. “She’s a spin instructor, so she gets the bit with all the hills!” He’s planned a route that will take eighteen days from start to finish, with a plan to stay in a different place each night and brave whatever British weather that might come his way. “I’m not too worried about rain or heat,” says David. “It’s the headwinds which can be your best or worst friend.”
Known as “Lejog” or “end-to-end”, this iconic long distance ride travels the length of the country, with many cyclists making the journey to raise money for charity. David is riding to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK, in honour of Wolfson's late Head Porter, Andrew Fowles.
Andrew, who passed away suddenly in February 2024, lived with asthma his entire life, and was a long-time supporter of Asthma + Lung UK.
“Andrew had the best sense of humour,” says David, “and he made me laugh every day. Andrew loved his life and his job at Wolfson, and he loved his holidays and always talked about where he went and the things he enjoyed. He shared that with everyone and inspired people to go places and enjoy life. That’s my abiding memory of Andrew, how much he loved life, and that’s what’s motivated me to take on this challenge and to make the most of each and every day.”
David is looking to raise £1,965 for charity – a nod to Wolfson’s founding.
“I love working at Wolfson!” David says, laughing. “Who doesn’t? I’ve wanted to do this bike ride for a while and having recently turned 63, it’s kind of a now or never moment. I know it’s going to be a physical and mental challenge, but I’ve been encouraged by my family, friends, and the ӽ紫ýcommunity, which I’m really proud to be a part of.”
We’ll be following David’s journey on the College’s Instagram, and we hope you’ll join us in cheering him on from start to finish – from end to end.
Make a donation
if you’d like to support his ride.
