Introducing the ‘Run for Dunc’ Challenge

Last year, September 2020, we very sadly lost “Dunc” suddenly and unexpectedly following a severe heart attack (myocardial infarction) whilst he was in Taunton one afternoon. As many people will know this hit my family, his work colleagues/acquaintances and the local community hard. When someone passes without having the chance to say goodbye, it hurts, it is confusing and does not feel like reality. There is simply no time to prepare.

My Dad, CD, Duncan, Duncs, “Big Dunc”, Chair, El Presidente as he was known by many was a great believer in charity, community and bringing people together. Many people will know that Dad was the secretary of the Taunton Youth Cricket League for 15+ years, was Chairman at Wellington CC for 16 years and latterly served as President. An amazing commitment. His passion for cricket and fondness in and around the game is unforgettable! His team was Gloucestershire but Wellington CC was where his heart lay after living in the town for 32 years after we moved here from Gloucestershire in 1988. Dad was a keen supporter of Plymouth Argyle Football Club too and we spent many happy times at Home Park pre-Covid.

Through the hard times as a family we have tried to remember his immensely positive and optimistic nature and this has carried us through. One day thinking about his positive nature it came to mind to complete a challenge in Dad’s memory! So, to mark a year since Dad passed away so unexpectedly, I will be attempting to run 3 Half Marathons in 9 days (it was 9 days between my Dad’s birthday and the day he passed away) between September 24th and October 2nd 2021. Finishing the challenge on the Saturday with my brothers, Richard and Alec, who will be running with me!

I am aiming to raise money for 2 good causes and relating to Cardiac Disease:

1) Wellington CC – 1 permanent defibrillator and 2 portable defibrillators in order to be taken to away matches - £2,500 target

If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates jump from 6 per cent to 74 per cent

2) Love Musgrove – donations to the Cardiac Ward - £1,500 target

To help people who have heart or cardiac issues receive appropriate care in Taunton

Dates, timing and locations of the runs are as follows:

24th September - 4pm start at Firepool Lock - Taunton Canal route.

28th September - 345pm meet for a 4pm start at the car park at EX16 7JD, Tiverton Canal. Tiverton Canal route.

2nd October - 130pm start at Wellington CC running to Somerset County Ground and back!

I hope many of you will join in and play your part in the runs! Your support will no doubt get me through. A lot of you played a big part in my Dad’s life so it would be great to have you on this journey with me!