Category: Community (Warminster)

Tuesday 18th October 2016

David Francis, who lives and works in Warminster (he’s the night manager at Wetherspoons, The Bath Arms), has been wearing his walking boots, jogging shorts and running shoes rather a lot lately, to raise money for charity. Last year David took part in the Three Land Challenge, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer treatment for men and women. This year he has stepped forward for not one but three ultra challenges in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. He says: “I will be taking part because my gran has recently been diagnosed with dementia.”

On 30th April 2016 he took part in the Isle of White Challenge, a 100km walk around around the island in one continuous journey, starting out from Chale in the south, passing the famous Needles, and with Cowes at the half-way point. David did the 100km (66 miles) in just over 23 hours.

Four months later, on 27th August 2016, David completed the South Coast Challenge, another 100km perambulation ~ along the coastal path from Eastbourne, to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters Country Park, then via the South Downs Way to Brighton and beyond the Devil’s Dyke to Arundel.

The Saharan Ultra Challenge.

And now, in a few days time, on Thursday 20th and Monday 24th October 2016, David, who is 32 years old, faces his biggest and most daunting effort, the Saharan Challenge, which comprises not one but two marathons on consecutive days in the Sahara Desert (Agdz, Draa Valley, Zagora, Morocco). The route includes ancient Berber mud-brick villages in the mountains, lush green valleys and sand dunes. Between marathons there will be an overnight camp under the stars in traditional Bedouin style. 

David says: “These challenges will be hard going and very tough on my body and mind but knowing the money raised will be going to a very supportive charity will get me through each of them.”

David Francis. 

David has set himself a target of £1,000. So far he has gained £855 towards this, thanks to the generosity of family and friends. To raise the rest, and possibly more, David has a Just Giving Page. Click on https://www.justgiving.com/David-FrancisUltra16 to donate as little or as much as you can to this very worthy cause.”