Bristol graduate embarks on 3,000km cycle from Arctic Circle to support Ghanaian school

“We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead and are very grateful for any donations towards this really worthy cause. Thank you.”

4 hours ago

Arianna Balsamo | News

University of Bristol student Ed Loveridge is setting off on a 3,000-kilometre cycle from the Arctic Circle to England, with all funds going to a school in Ghana, just after graduating with a First in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

via Ed Loveridge

The 22-year-old from Dorset and his friend Max will begin their journey on Thursday 17th July after flying into northern Norway, travelling through Scandinavia and mainland Europe before returning to England via Calais. The journey is expected to take just over a month.

Both from Beaminster, the pair are fundraising for Educate Development Philanthropy (EDP), a small UK charity that supports the Awutu-Winton school in Ghana. Ed volunteered at the school during his gap year, teaching maths and climate change. Shortly after the journey, he will begin a Master’s in Energy Systems at the University of Oxford this October.

Speaking ahead of the ride, Ed said: “I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact donating to this charity has on children’s lives. I believe that access to energy improves education, healthcare and opportunities for all.”

via Ed Loveridge

Ed and Max will be strapping their items to their bikes, with only a stove, food, clothes, a tent and a fishing rod for the ride.

Donations from the ride will go towards installing a solar energy system at the school. The project aims to make the campus self-sufficient by providing reliable electricity for water purification and lighting infrastructure.

The solar installation will also serve as a learning tool for the students, supporting a new course designed to equip students with skills to improve energy access across Ghana.