Dave clocks up the miles for our hospital!

63-year-old Dave Allemby has spent over 40 years clocking up the miles to raise money for good causes, running more than 66,000 miles since New Year’s Day in 1979.

Those miles include taking part in the first-ever London Marathon in 1981, as well as over 1,850 races ranging from 100m to 40 miles.

Dave has worked as a produce assistant on the fruit and vegetable counter at Tesco Barnsley for the last 23 years, where he is affectionately known as 'the legend'

His latest epic challenge is to run six half marathons in six months for our hospital, to mark both his sixth decade and support his store’s £6,000 fundraising target for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Dave said: “Being a small part of the team raising funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital will keep me motivated throughout the dark winter months.

“I have arthritis in my knees so my training is quite limited these days, but I’m managing to run two or three times a week. Six half marathons in six months will still be quite a challenge for me, finishing with the Sheffield Half in April.”

Dave is also encouraging novice runners to join him in fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity and get active in 2020.

“My advice to newcomers would be to look out for beginner walk-to-run-groups in your area, many running and athletic clubs organise them and everyone in the group will be in the same situation and at roughly the same level of fitness.

“Park runs are also great fun- 5km routes held on Saturday mornings throughout the country. There’s no pressure, no entry fee and it’s a great target to finish one for a beginner. You can join thousands of people getting out there, taking part and having fun.”

Dave has set a fundraising target of £200 for his challenge, which will help transform the Cancer and Leukaemia ward and we wish him all the best in his running.

If you fancy joining Dave at the Sheffield Half Marathon we have a limited number of charity places still available. Get in touch at [email protected] to secure yours or click here to find out what else you could do for our hospital!