Other Sport / Bristol
Record-breaking attempt of 75-year-old desert runner
Following in the footsteps of famous explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is no mean feat – but one man and his dog intend to do just that and beat the record breaker at his own game.
David Exell is an ordinary Wrington pensioner who, in just over a week, will be embarking on the Marathon Des Sables, a gruelling 150 mile run in sweltering heat over desert terrain that is widely regarded as one of the toughest races in the world.
If successful, the 75-year-old will become the oldest Brit to complete the course, beating a world record set by Sir Ranulph who achieved the feat at the age of 71 in 2013.
Hitting the treadmill in a heat-filled chamber, while carrying a 10kg backpack filled with his grandchildren’s dumb bells is now the norm for David, who has upped his training regime in preparation for the challenge ahead.
And all of his efforts are to raise funds for Bristol Area Stroke Foundation and donations have already topped £10,000.
David chose to support the cause – that has recently lost Bristol City Council grant support – because the condition has affected so many of his friends and family, including his own father who died from a stroke.
“I was also keen to help a good cause so that all the kind donations I have received can help local people,” said the intrepid marathon runner.
The pensioner, who runs a financial advice consultancy, has been embarking on nightly two-hour runs alongside his trusty canine companion, Dora, and his progress is documented in ‘Dora’s Diary’.
He said: “I know I can’t put in the sort of training mileage that some competitors will be doing as I have to be very careful about injuries at my age.
“So I’m concentrating on quality rather than quantity – around 50 miles a week.”
From Friday, April 7, David will be running over endless sand dunes in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in temperatures that can reach 50°C.
He will also have to carry all his own food and sleeping equipment, with only water supplied en route.
But he is not leaving before getting a message of support from Sir Ranulf himself, who said: “I’d like to send my support and best wishes to David in his endeavour to complete the Marathon Des Sables at the age 75.
“Having completed this in 2015, I know this is one of the toughest endurance tests there is. I wish him well in his training and in the race, I know he needs lots of support so please get behind him and help his fundraising efforts.”
Rebecca Sheehy, the charity’s chief executive, said David’s target of £10,000 represents a massive boost to at a time when there are significant funding challenges.
She added: “As a service supported by many dedicated volunteers, we can make a small amount of money go a very long way and David’s incredible efforts will single-handedly keep support in place for dozens of local people over the coming year.
“Every extra pound that comes in over the next few weeks will help us make an even bigger difference.”
Bristol Area Stroke Foundation assists over 550 stroke affected people every year on their journey to recovery and rehabilitation, the vital service complements the support provided by the NHS and social care services. Stroke is the biggest cause of adult disability in the UK.
“We are delighted that David has chosen to support our work,” said the charity’s chairman, Peter Scott, “At 75, he is also an inspiration to us all.”
Read more: ‘I’m just trying to keep my feet on the ground’
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