Didim this week welcomed a retired London firefighter on a round-the-world solo bike ride to raise money for projects helping young people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
Stephen Aslin, 58, began the 30,000-mile cycling challenge from North Kensington in west London on the eighth anniversary of the June 14 fire, which claimed the lives of 72 people.
He plans to be on the road for a year and half and will drop in on fire stations along the way. He aims to be in New York for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in September next year.
His cycle route this week took in Didim where he met local resident and friend Samantha Maya Gördüemel, and her 11-year-old daughter Maya, who is currently making a name for herself in the region and nationally in competitive swimming.
Stephen was able to enjoy a couple of days break while awaiting for new wheels for his bike to arrive before he can crack on with his journey.
His journey is scheduled to take in Fethiye, Kas, Antalya, cutting in land to Cappadocia and then heading to Georgia.
He then plans to head to Kazakhstan and India, through the Far East, on to Australia and then America, with the aim of cycling 100km each day for five days of the week, with a two-day rest in between.
Stephen, who was brought up in North Kensington, said he was “lucky enough to serve as station officer at the local fire station for the last four years of my career.”
He says his former colleagues and friends in west London have been deeply affected by the Grenfell tragedy.
“A schoolfriend of ours died in the fire,” he said. “This challenge is a remembrance for Ernie [Vital] and his mum [Marjorie Vital] and the other 70 people that died in the fire.”
Ernie [Vital] (right) and his mum [Marjorie Vital]
Stephen’s planned journey
“I want to be able to help the next generation,” he said. “But it’s not just about raising money but also raising awareness as I go around the world about the lack of justice that’s happened as we progress over time to the ninth, 10th anniversary of the fire.
“I’m leaving on the eighth anniversary and when I get back there will won’t be prosecutions.”
So far, he has raised £13,739 towards his target of £30.000. Anyone wanting to donate to his fundraiser can do so here – https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-aslin-1727783156925?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015