Thank you to Pearl Flynn Bulut for the updates and to Stephen for taking the time to talk with us.
Retired firefighter Stephen Aslin, 58, has set off on an extraordinary 30,000-mile global cycling journey — one mile for every pound he hopes to raise to honour the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire.
Stephen, who grew up in the area and served as station officer at North Kensington Fire Station during the final four years of his career, says the disaster left a profound mark on his friends, colleagues, and the local community.
“A schoolfriend of ours died in the fire,” he explained. “This challenge is a remembrance for Ernie Vital, his mother Marjorie, and the other 70 people who lost their lives.”
Along the way, he is stopping at fire stations and community hubs, sharing his story and raising funds for projects that help children impacted by the tragedy.
Stephen’s 18-month journey will take him through Turkey, with planned stops in Fethiye, Antalya, and then on to Cappadocia before continuing to Georgia. From there, he will head to Kazakhstan, India, the Far East, Australia, and finally the United States, aiming to arrive in New York in September 2026 for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Travelling solo with no support vehicle, he plans to cycle approximately 100 kilometres a day, five days a week, with two rest days, carefully considering changes in temperature and layering for varying climates along the route.
“I aim to cycle 100 kilometres a day, five days a week, with two days of rest,” said Stephen “Everything is for the children.”
Stephen Arrives in Fethiye
Stephen arrived in Fethiye on Thursday 25th September, where he received a warm welcome from local supporters. He first visited the town 38 years ago and described it as a profound experience to see how much it has changed and developed. During this visit, he attended a show at the VIP Lounge in Ölüdeniz, where The Sensations delivered an emotional speech and organised a collection in his honour.
Overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of local people, he extended his stay by an extra day, joining friends at Paradise Beach before continuing his journey to Antalya on Monday.
A final stop at Aşıklar Tepesi (Lover’s Hill) as Stephen prepares to continue his journey to Antalya.
Stephen pictured with Pearl Flynn Bulut, whose hospitality made his stay in Fethiye extra special
Support Stephen and the Grenfell Foundation
Every pound raised on Stephen’s incredible journey will go directly to youth projects run by the Grenfell Foundation, helping bereaved families, supporting survivors, and strengthening the wider West London community.
You can follow Stephen’s journey and show your support by making a donation to the Grenfell Foundation via his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/stephen-aslin-1727783156925.
Here you can listen to Stephen being interviewed on Radio Sussex, where he shares more about his journey and the cause that drives him.
Track Stephen’s Journey:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenaslin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenaslin/
Linktree: linktr.ee/stephenaslin
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11015896
Fethiye Times will be following Stephen’s extraordinary journey and will bring you regular updates, sharing every milestone along the journey.
