ɫƵ

Across the country with David Wright

David Wright, Deputy Head Porter at ɫƵ
01/05/2025

It’s just over 1000 miles from Britain’s most south-westerly point, Land’s End in Cornwall, to the village of John o’Groats at the north-eastern tip of Scotland. ɫƵ’s Deputy Head Porter, David Wright, plans to cycle from one end to the other. 

David Wright, Deputy Head Porter at ɫƵ

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 ɫƵ'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 ɫƵ, 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 ɫƵ’s founding. 

“I love working at ɫƵ!” 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 ɫƵ community, 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. 

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