This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Dario Dollorenzo, a Salento native who had a truly innovative idea, which combines creativity, sport and charity. Dario, who left from London, will arrive in Salento by cycling for about 2.250 km for a noble purpose. Here is the interview, in which we discussed many topics with Dario.
Charity: the fundraiser is for Emergency
Dario, can you tell us something about yourself and your personal journey? My name is Dario Dollorenzo, I am 28 years old and I am originally from Sogliano Cavour, a small town in the province of Lecce. After training as a dental technician, in 2022 I decided to move to London, where today I work in one of the most prestigious laboratories in the city. It was a difficult choice, dictated by the desire to grow professionally and confront myself with new and stimulating realities. London has given me so much, but the bond with my roots has never weakened.
How did the idea for this bike trip come about? The inspiration came last year, when I took part in the charity bike ride from London to Brighton organised by the British Heart Foundation. That experience ignited something inside me: the awareness that fatigue, if channelled towards a noble goal, can become a form of joy. So I started to imagine a longer, more ambitious journey, which could have a concrete impact on those in need. From there, the idea was born to leave London to reach my home, Sogliano Cavour, on a folding bike and with a couple of backpacks, crossing the United Kingdom, France and finally Italy.
What is the purpose of this venture? Is there a cause you are supporting? Yes, I wanted to give a deep meaning to every kilometer traveled. I started a fundraising for Emergency, an organization that I deeply admire for the extraordinary work it has been carrying out for years in the most difficult contexts in the world. The journey began on June 1st and will end with my arrival in Sogliano. Until that date, anyone can contribute to the cause through the official link of the collection (click here).
A route that touches many large cities
What is the path you are following and how are you preparing to face it? The route winds from the North to the South of Europe: after leaving London, I crossed the United Kingdom to the coast, then entered France, running all the way to Marseille, passing through small villages in the hills and big cities like Paris and Lyon. From there I will follow the Mediterranean coast towards Italy, running along the boot to Puglia, passing through many places including Genoa, Florence, Rome and Naples. A 26-day journey, through different landscapes, new languages and often unpredictable weather. The preparation was above all mental: I knew I would encounter moments of difficulty, but that's exactly what I was looking for — to break out of the routine, challenge myself, face uncertainty with determination.
What do you hope will come to those who follow your adventure? I hope this journey can convey a simple but powerful message: each of us can make a difference, even with small gestures. You don't have to be a superhero to change something, you just have to start from what you have and who you are. I would like those who follow my adventure to feel inspired to get involved, to believe in their own possibilities, to get out of their comfort zone. And, if possible, to lend a hand to Emergency, because every donation - small or large - is a step towards a more just world.
All we can say is, good luck Dario!
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