Local school teacher, David Eckett, will fulfil a long held ambition in the Summer of 2010 by walking the 1000 kilometres of the South West Coast Path in just 41⁄2 weeks and in so doing will aim to raise at least £10,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and Help for Heroes (HfH). 

Dave is currently a Year Head at Priory Community School in Weston-super-Mare, but as colleagues and pupils turn their attention to the start of the Summer holidays he will be setting off on his marathon adventure. “I have completed several sections of the path in recent years”, says Dave, “but I have never attempted anything as ambitious as 31 days of continuous walking but the trail passes through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere, so I shan’t get bored”

CHSW is the adopted charity of Priory School for this year and Dave has seen the fantastic work the West Country hospices do to support sick children and their families. “One of the reasons that I am taking on this challenge is that I consider myself to have been so lucky to have been in good health throughout my life – I have a lot to be thankful for so this walk is an opportunity for me to contribute to the lives of those less fortunate than I have been”. The physical challenge is something for which Dave is well prepared. Not only is he a regular on the cricket field and squash court he also completes cross country runs several times a week to maintain his general level of fitness. “As well as enjoying good health” he explains, “I have not had to face up to the dangers and sacrifices that war presents, unlike my parents and grandparents. Putting aside the political argument regarding Britain’s military commitment to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I believe that sick and injured service personnel should be given the best possible support once their war is over and HfH is doing a terrific job in ensuring that this is achieved”.

Dave has been sent a message of support (see below) from legendary adventurer, soldier and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. “He is an extraordinary man and a great hero of mine”, says Dave. “If a person can cross the ice caps, climb Everest and run seven marathons in a week I’m sure I can successfully complete this walk – it’s a stroll by comparison to those achievements”.

Along the way Dave will be able to indulge himself in two of his favourite pastimes – photography and real ale. “I will be keeping a photographic diary of the walk – not only is there so much dramatic scenery to be enjoyed but also there will be opportunities to record some of the West Country’s wonderful wildlife - i’ll have to be careful as to what I point my lens at, though, as the path passes through a naturists’ beach near Swanage. Having walked over 20 miles each day I think I will be in a position to appreciate a pint from one of the West Country’s many excellent breweries – it is so important to consider re-hydration throughout an endurance event!“

You can also join Hi-Tec in sponsoring Dave (donations can be made to either or both charities) by visiting his online fundraising page (if donors are UK tax payers, the charities will automatically receive 28% extra in Gift Aid), by completing and returning the sponsor form from the website or by getting in touch via email.

ALL DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHARITIES AS DAVE IS MEETING ALL OF THE COSTS INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND COMPLETION OF THE WALK HIMSELF. Dave would also like to hear from anyone who would like to join him in completing a section of the trail as well as those who are in a position to donate items of walking and camping equipment – all contributions however small will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.

"I would like to wish David every success with the Coast to Coast Challenge. The commitment, dedication and perseverance required to complete this 1000 km walk deserves your support and in so doing would benefit so many of our heroic service personnel and special young people with life limiting illnesses. Good luck."

Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE - Nominal Patron           

C2CC2010