To honour the memory of Andrew Fowles, the late Head Porter of Wolfson College, Cambridge, I am planning to attempt to cycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats at the end of May. My goal is to raise awareness and funds for Asthma + Lung UK, which Andrew supported.

Andrew’s widow, Jo, has told me that, “Andrew lived with asthma for his whole life. He was fortunate that his asthma was well controlled as an adult through medication and maintaining his fitness by regularly swimming. But as a child he spent time in hospital and remembered the fear of experiencing asthma attacks. Andrew spent time as Clinical Nurse Manager on a Respiratory Medicine ward at Papworth Hospital. He was passionate in ensuring all patients on the ward received the best possible care and support.”

As Head Porter at Wolfson College, Cambridge, Andrew inspired me, taught me, and made me laugh. He was a fantastic boss who loved his life and his job at Wolfson. Remembering his “joie de vivre” has compelled me to take on this challenge and to make the most of each and every day.

I have wanted to do this for a while and, having recently turned 63, it’s kind of a “now or never” moment and I realise that it will be quite a test of my physical and mental resilience but I have been encouraged by family, friends, and the Wolfson community, which I am very proud to be part of.

I am planning to post updates of my progress on instagram. Thank you to everyone for your generous support.

You can read more about my ride on the Wolfson website: https://www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk/news/across-country-david-wright

A picture of Andrew Fowles, at Wolfson College, Cambridge