AN ADVENTUROUS 73-year-old Malvern cyclist is saddling up for a 52-mile ride on Saturday, October 10, to raise funds for Three Counties medical charity Cobalt.
The challenge will begin at Malvern College and take dedicated Dave Burley through Upton-upon-Severn, Ashton-Under-Hill and Pershore before finishing at his home in Malvern.
Dave is also a keen runner and completed the same route on two feet rather than wheels back in 1984.
He started supporting Cobalt back in the 1980s when a member of his local church youth group received treatment for cancer.
Last year he completed the Cheltenham Half-Marathon in two hours and 21 minutes and over the years he has racked up over 500miles through various fund-raisers for Cobalt.
He has taken on ten London Marathons, the Bristol Marathon three times and marathons in Malvern and Cheltenham.
He said: “I remember my first race, I both ran and walked it.”
Dave is well-known in Malvern.
He owned a barber shop which had been in the Burley family since the 1920s.
The shop, sadly no longer there, was renowned for being a treasure trove full of original barber chairs and even an old cigarette machine.
“Friends, family and fellow traders have been amazingly generous over the years, regularly donating.
“Donations both great and small have spurred me on to complete these races that have challenged me both mentally and physically.
“Due to organised events being cancelled this year it seemed the perfect opportunity to revisit that race I did all those years ago.”
Cobalt supports people in the Three Counties with cancer, dementia and other conditions.
Kirsty Bradbury, the charity’s support engagement officer, urged people to support Dave and said: “He is famous for wearing his Tam o’ Shanter, a traditional Scottish bonnet and over the years has raised thousands of pounds for the charity.”
Click here to visit the website or call the fund-raising team on 01242 535922 to get involved, donate or get further information.
