In memory of Dave Conway—one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known.

I first met Dave over 30 years ago when I was his supervisor at Air Europe at Gatwick Airport. From day one, he was someone you couldn’t help but like—full of energy, warmth and positivity. He was the kind of person who lit up every room, always the first on the dance floor, always bringing people together. Even as life took us in different directions, we made sure to catch up every year, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had him as a friend for so long.

Losing Dave so suddenly last July was heartbreaking. He suffered a cardiac arrest with no warning signs—fit, healthy and full of life one moment, gone the next. His loss has left an enormous void, not just for his family and friends but for so many in the travel industry who knew and loved him.

This March, I’ll be riding the Cape Town Cycle Tour (Cape Argus)—a 109 km challenge around the Cape Peninsula’s stunning coastal roads—in Dave’s memory. The last time I rode this race was in 2014, finishing in 4 hours 50 minutes. A decade later, I return under very different circumstances.

Last year, I underwent major surgery to reattach my hamstring, and this event marks a huge milestone in my recovery. But beyond my own journey, I am riding to honour two dear friends and to raise funds for the charities that meant the most to them.

💙 Every week in the UK, 12 young people (aged 35 and under) lose their lives to undiagnosed heart conditions. In 80% of cases, there are no prior symptoms. CRY works to change that by providing life-saving cardiac screenings, research and support for families affected by these tragedies.

I’m also riding with Andrea, Dave’s wife, very much in my thoughts. Now a part of my team at Qatar Airways, Andrea has shown immense strength in the months since losing Dave. I know that if the roles were reversed, Dave would be doing everything he could to help. This is my way of honouring his incredible spirit and ensuring that others don’t have to experience this kind of loss.

Dave was all about lifting people up, and I know he’d want to make a difference. Let’s keep Disco Dave’s legacy alive by helping to save young lives.

Thank you for your support.