Two adventurous Old Canfordians, Ed Loveridge C21 and Max Hansen M21, are setting off on an extraordinary challenge this July as they cycle from the Arctic Circle all the way back to England, raising vital funds for a school in Ghana along the way.

Flying into the Arctic Circle on 17 July, Ed and Max will assemble their bikes on arrival before pedalling south through some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery Europe has to offer. Their journey will take them down Norway’s rugged coastline, across to Denmark by ferry, and then through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. The trip will finish in Calais, where they will cross the Channel back to the UK.

Their month long adventure will be entirely self-supported. Carrying everything they need on their bikes, including a tent, stove, clothes, food and even a fishing rod, they will rely on wild camping and fish fuelled meals to keep them going. “We’re expecting a lot of fishy pasta,” they joked.

But this epic ride isn’t just about the adventure. Ed and Max are cycling in support of the EDP Trust, a charity that supports the Awutu-Winton Senior High School in Ghana. The school is fee-free and provides crucial educational opportunities for young people in the region and has had a partnership with Canford since 2014. However, frequent power outages significantly disrupt learning and access to clean water. The funds raised will go towards installing solar panels to reduce the school’s reliance on the local power grid. This will ensure more reliable electricity in classrooms and allow the school’s water purifier to run 24 hours a day.

Ed, who spent three months volunteering at the school during his gap year, teaching Maths and climate change, is passionate about the cause. “I believe that access to energy improves education, healthcare and opportunities for all,” he said.

Max added, “There's something deeply humbling about moving through the world under your own power. You feel every hill, every gust, every weather shift. It is such an immersive experience. I've never been to Norway, but I can't wait to ride its coast and fall asleep beneath its sky.”

Supporters can follow Ed and Max’s journey through daily video updates on Instagram via @arctic_circle_cycle, and donations can be made on their JustGiving page.

Everyone at Canford wishes Ed and Max the very best of luck on this incredible journey!