Update – Dave Brooker managed to raise £634.50!

Sometimes you have to sit down and think long and hard before saying “yes” but given the chance to run in the Olympic Stadium and cross the finishing line, Dave Brooker, 45 year-old horse rider and owner from Kent, snapped it up very quickly. It would not always have been so. With a wonky hip, a diet of pain killers, carrying about four stone too much and sometimes with a cigarette between his lips, he was in his own words ‘a sorry sight’. Riding was no longer the pleasure it should be. Dave heard Andrew Hoy speaking at Burleigh about the importance of horse and rider fitness. For one of those strange reasons, something clicked and not his hip for once.

As a result, a couple of years ago, the cigarettes went and the pounds began to disappear, the waist shrunk by seven inches and the diet and running were under way. Maybe not quite as easy as I have made it sound but he was spurred on by Maverick and Chief, his two horses. They were very appreciative of the changes, as was Dave’s hip.

Dave was very happy to take up the fantastic opportunity to run through the Olympic village, finishing the five mile run in the Olympic Stadium on 31st March, along with the other 4999 people scheduled to make the trip.

Any sponsorship money he raised is going to the Kent based branch of Riding for the Disabled which meets at and around Great Chart Ashford Kent. Their activities include evening rides, country hacking, fun rides, gymkhanas, their own show and some members have competed at Hickstead. Riding for the Disabled is a national charity, staffed by volunteers, including qualified instructors and first aiders. A mix of ages and abilities come along to ride, with the emphasis on having fun.

The group is always on the lookout for more helpers. Usually, the horses are led round and training is given for those doing this very important job. Look out for an RDA group in your own locality, I am not sure who gets the most pleasure from the group but the rewards are fantastic.

If you would like to know more or make a donation, or an offer of help, then please contact Tim Brier on 01634 867497.

Dave can still be sponsored and is contactable on 07960 835886 and I wish him the best of luck.