Cyclist halfway through world tour in memory of Grenfell

A former London firefighter on a world cycling tour has been visiting different fire stations around the globe raising money - and awareness about the Grenfell tragedy.

Stephen Aslin, who is nearly halfway through his 30,000-mile (48,280km) global charity cycling trip, says the support he has received from people from different countries has been "amazing".

He told BBC London: "Children wave to me as I cycle and when I stop I've found wherever I am people are friendly and welcoming."

He left North Kensington in west London, on 14 June 2025, the eighth anniversary of the fire that claimed the lives of 72 people.

So far he has travelled through 24 countries, including Germany, Turkey, Nepal and Uzbekistan.

Stephen aims to reach New York for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in September 2026.

He grew up in North Kensington and was based at his local fire station after the disaster.

His school friend, Ernie Vital and his mother Marjorie died in the tragedy in 2017.

Stephen said: "I'm doing this for all the victims and the local community.

"I also have old colleagues who are still suffering from PTSD because of the fire."

During his travels he has been stopping in as many fire stations as he can, raising awareness about the Grenfell tragedy and fire safety.

In some countries such as Nepal he said there is a "very sparse coverage" with just one fire engine in a 200 mile (321km) radius.

In Germany, he found "the fire service was well-funded and well run".

He stayed overnight at some of the fire stations on some occasions, including in Gospic, Croatia.

"They were very welcoming," he said. "There is a universal understanding about being a firefighter."

He told BBC London he gets up at 7am every morning and cycles for five to six hours each day.

"I wake up every day and I'm glad to be alive. It's been absolutely fantastic so far."

Stephen added: "I have to say people really are wonderful."

Apart from a stomach bug, he has had no major health problems so far. His bike is also wearing well albeit with the odd puncture.

"I try and get my bike serviced regularly so I avoid any problems," he said.

So far his highlights include seeing a "magical" lunar eclipse on a beach in Turkey and visiting the Taj Mahal in India.

"I also rode up on a high plain in Nepal and then suddenly saw a vista of the Himalayas in front of me - it was amazing."

His departure was from a local school in North Kensington, close to Grenfell Tower.

After a 72-second silence, supporters lined the street outside, which he said was "overwhelming".

"I'm travelling 30,000 miles and there will still be no justice when I get back; it beggars belief," he told BBC London.

So far Stephen has raised more than £16,000 for the Grenfell Foundation which helps projects supporting survivors, the bereaved and people in the local community.

A spokesman for the foundation said: "We wish Stephen the best of luck, and with the ongoing tower deconstruction and a long path to justice, are very grateful to him and his efforts to keep Grenfell in the public's hearts and minds."

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