Super-human efforts were tribute to pal
TRIATHLETE Dave Clamp completed one of the most extraordinary fundraising challenges in the history of East Cheshire Hospice as a tribute to a team-mate.
Dave, a personal trainer, swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and ran a marathon – every day for 20 consecutive days.
He set a new world record winning the ultradistance Ironman race, known as a Double Deca, in the Swiss Alps, beating his nearest rival by 23 hours.
His superhuman efforts were in memory of Dr Clive Reading, from Tytherington, who died a year ago and was a fellow member of Knutsford Tri Club.
Dr Reading, 70, a renowned consultant clinical psychologist, had a brain tumour. He died in August 2015, weeks before he had hoped to complete his first Ironman challenge with Dave in Barcelona.
Dave, aged 57, from Oakmere, near Northwich, raised £1,710 from his endeavours. The proceeds were split between the hospice, where Clive was a patient, and Brain Tumour Research.
Dave said: “Clive was a popular and highly respected member of our club and to win this event in his honour was a special and emotional occasion.
“I wanted to give up after four or five days but the amazing support and encouragement from his family and friends spurred me on.”
Dave became a member of the elite GB triathlon team despite not taking to sport as a youngster.
He said: “I was hopeless at PE at school and was the one who never got picked for school teams, but now I’ve got world records to my name through perseverance and determination.”
A veteran of some 200 Ironman races, Dave won a similar 10-day event in Mexico in 2015.
Last month the Knutsford Tri Club held the inaugural Clive Reading memorial 10km race in Tatton Park.