Harold Hill man Dave Butler’s 500-mile challenge for Richard House Children’s Hospice

Dave Butler is running and cycling 500 miles for Richard House Children's Hospice

Ramzy Alwakeel, Reporter Tuesday, March 19, 2013
1:00 PM

It’s not a Proclaimers joke – Dave Butler really would walk 500 miles.

Cabbie Dave Butler, 50, of Harold Hill

Or, at least, he’d run and cycle them. Starting with the Brighton Marathon on April 14, the big-hearted Harold Hill cabbie is taking on five races in five weeks – all in aid of a kids’ hospice.

Of course, whether he’ll still be singing as he crosses the finish line of the 200-mile Mitie London Revolution race remains to be seen.

Briar Road resident Dave, 50, hopes to raise £1,500 for the Newham-based Richard House Children’s Hospice. Although he doesn’t have any personal ties to the charity, it’s a cause he feels very strongly about.

“Last night I was out training in the cold and I thought to myself: ‘This is hard work’ – but it’s harder being strapped to a monitor and wondering if you’re going to see next week.

Dave Butler in training for his cycling and running challenge

“These parents are sitting at that hospice trying to get their lives together, wondering if they are going to see their kids live. It’s heart-wrenching.

“We went down to have a look around. People there are never going to see their kids grow up.

“My partner and I have five children between us, ranging from five to 19, so as a parent I think every penny I raise is worthwhile.”

Once Brighton’s out the way, Dave will hot-foot it back up to the capital, where he’ll be taking part in the London Marathon on April 21.

Hot on the heels of his second race, he’ll take on the London to Hastings Bike Ride on April 28, before seeing Kent on the Cloisters Bike Ride on May 6.

The Thames Bridges Bike Ride follows on May 12, which will see him cross 50 miles of central London bridges, before what he’s calling the “big one” on May 18 and 19 – a brisk 200-mile jaunt around London in one weekend, with a night under the stars thrown in for good measure.

“I’ve always been active,” said the ambitious dad. “I’ve got five London Marathons under my belt and quite a few rides, but nothing of this magnitude.

“The big problem I’m going to come up against is fatigue. The second, third, fourth and fifth races are going to take their toll before the big ride.

“But every turn of the pedal is for the kids. I don’t think anything I’ll be going through pain-wise is anything like what they’re going through.”

To sponsor Dave, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Butlers-Challenge.