David Myers
David's fundraiser for Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Story
Ten years ago this July my dad suffered a heart attack on the beach at Clovelly while gig rowing and was swiftly airlifted to Exeter hospital by the Devon Air Ambulance. Without their rapid response to this extremely difficult-to-access location he most certainly wouldn't be alive and well today. Having grown up on the Cornwall-Devon border I personally know of numerous other examples of the Air Ambulance saving lives, so I am extremely thankful for the incredible service they provide.
I'm running (see also: walking and staggering) the entire 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, from Poole to Minehead, in the fastest time I can to raise money for both the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts. Both organisations receive no direct government funding towards their running costs and rely on the generosity of people like you to keep flying. Although it was the Devon Air Ambulance that helped save his life, I also want to raise money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance. As a Cornishman who lives right on the border with Devon, I realise the vital service that both organisations provide to our local area.
I've chosen the South West Coast Path as my challenge as I am lucky enough to call the wild cliffs of Morwenstow home and have spent a fair bit of my life running the coastal trails on my doorstep, wondering if I could make the whole thing in one go. The thought of such an adventure has always excited and scared me in equal measure - so this seems the perfect opportunity to give it a go! It also seems fitting that I will be running the entire length of the Cornwall and Devon coastlines, where many of the Air Ambulance call outs, (including my dad's) occur.
I will be setting off from Poole early on July 24th and, barring any injuries or emergencies, I hope to finish in 14-18 days. This means averaging 40-45 miles per day. I'm a fairly experienced long-distance walker (thru-hiker) and, based on previous multi-thousand-mile walks, I know I can reach 35 miles consistently, it's the additional 10 miles that will really push me. With 630 miles of rugged coastline including over 115,000 feet of elevation change, it's not going to be easy!
I'm going with my standard thru-hiking philosophy so will be carrying all the gear I need to get by unsupported, including sleeping bag and shelter. This gives me the flexibility to keep going as long as I can each day and I’m not committed to stopping at a designated point to rest.
From early on 24th July you can follow my progress live at https://share.garmin.com/sprock and maybe a post here and there on my instagram @davidmyersguide
Many Thanks for your support!
Devon Air Ambulance is the charitable trust which raises the funds to keep two emergency air ambulances flying and two critical care cars on the road, delivering enhanced and critical care across Devon. We are proud to be independent of Government funding; Every penny raised is with thanks to the generosity of the communities, businesses and friends of Devon. Thank you for your support - it really does save lives!