David's running 500 miles to help children's hospices

An intrepid runner is halfway through his massive challenge of running more than 500 miles in 21 days to help '¨seriously ill children.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2016, 10:48 BST
Updated 22nd Apr 2016, 17:19 BST

David Smith, who is originally from Kirkintilloch, faced his fear of heights to descend 
a zip wire at the end of Bournemouth Pier on Saturday, 
April 9.

From there the 49-year-old began the big trek to Glasgow, which works out at more than a marathon each day, jointly in aid of the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Forest Holme Hospice in Poole.

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He plans to arrive in George Square on Saturday April 30, a few days before his 50th birthday, after running via children’s hospices in Kinross and Loch Lomond.

David is posting regular updates on his Facebook site and on Wednesday last week he had reached Birmingham.

The running enthusiast, who has lived in Dorset for the past 20 years, said: “Nothing but a serious injury will stop me from reaching Glasgow on April 30.

“I’ve trained really hard and for me running free like this is such an amazing adventure.”

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David, a former pupil at Kirkintilloch High, started running when he competed in the Bournemouth Bay Run two years ago.

The former taxi driver said it was a way for him to “fight his demons”.

David added: “I used to drink a lot and wanted to stop as it was beginning to affect my life.

“Running helped me stop drinking and gave me a new focus in life and I’m determined to complete this challenge to the best of my ability within the 21 days.

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“I hope that my efforts can help raise much needed funds for both charities.”

CHAS’ head of community fundraising, Sarah Secombes, added: “It’s an incredible feat and we are so grateful for all his efforts.”

To support David’s challenge you can donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/davidsmithrunner

To keep up to date with his progress go to DavidSmithRun on Twitter, instagram.com/davidsmithrunner/ or David Smith Runner on Facebook.

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CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

It offers care for the whole family in two children’s hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

It also runs a homecare service called CHAS at Home helping families in their own homes across Scotland when they need it most.

It supports more than 
380 families, as well as a significant number of families 
who receive bereavement 
support.

Visit www.chas.org.uk

Related topics:David SmithGlasgowRunningFacebook