David Barlow from Broadclyst is undertaking a 25-week intensive training programme for an incredible challenge to mark his 78th birthday.
On Sunday 18 May, David will take on a marathon speedwalk from Okehampton to his hometown of Broadclyst to raise vital funds for our hospice charity.
Inspired by a segment on ITV news about Hospiscare’s funding situation and the cuts our charity was being forced to make, David decided to take on the challenge to “raise as much money as I possibly can”.
David explains, “I know that if every person in our local community just donated the price of a cuppa, it would make an incredible difference.”
David with his training partner and faithful companion, Tommy
David began his training last November, accompanied by his faithful walking companion, springer spaniel Tommy. David continues, “Training is going well. I’m following a training programme and to begin with, I was finding them shorter than my normal dog walks! Me and Tommy are never out for less than an hour and a half. He’s a springer so anything less and he gives you the look!
“Each week, the distance gradually builds up. I know that when I get to the 12-mile week, I’ll have more of an idea of how fast I’ll be able to do the challenge. The main thing is I make it back to Broadclyst before the pub closes!
“I’m not a runner, but I can walk pretty quickly. My pace is between 15-16 minutes per mile at the moment and I’ll be really happy if, on the day, I manage a mile or two starting with 14, even if it’s 14:59!
“I’m ex-army, so speed marching is something I know. When we’d go on group marches of 10 miles to pass our yearly fitness test, the people at the front of the group would have to step short for the hills, otherwise the people at the back would be running! Now I’m doing this challenge on my own, I look like a speed skater going uphill doing these long strides and swinging my arms about!”
Although David is undertaking his training with his faithful four-legged companion, Tommy, he will complete the marathon speedwalk on his own, explaining “Tommy’s too old for that!”
Hospiscare founder Dr John Searle with his wife, Elizabeth
David’s challenge is deeply personal, motivated not only by Hospiscare’s funding crisis, but by his good friend, and Hospiscare’s founder, Dr John Searle. David continues, “I knew Dr John Searle so well – I was a verger at Exeter Cathedral when he was Canon there. At the time, I didn’t know that John knew my wife too – they worked together at the hospital.
“John made me a deal – he said, if you die before me, I’ll officiate at your funeral, and if I die before you, you can be verger at my funeral. Sadly, he went first, and I couldn’t fulfil our deal because of COVID-19. Instead, I’m doing this for him.”
To support David’s challenge and raise much-needed funds for Hospiscare, please click here.
