Dave’s 24-Hour Walking Challenge | A Quick Update

Over the past few months, many of you will have seen on Facebook that Dave is out walking, training and sharing updates as he prepares for an incredible challenge, walking 68 miles in just 24 hours to raise funds for The Devon Clinic Trauma Charity.

This follow-up blog is about why Dave is doing it, how the training is going so far, and how you can be part of the journey.

If you missed the original story, you can read it here on our website, where we first shared the challenge, the route and our plans to raise funds.

Why Dave Took This On

Like many people approaching a milestone birthday, Dave decided he wanted to make a few changes. His motivation started simply, wanting to get fitter and feel sharper, what he jokingly calls being “nifty at fifty”.

That led him to Diverse Fitness in St Marychurch, where Charlie, Ross and Niamh have been helping him build strength, stamina and confidence. What started as a personal fitness goal quickly turned into something much bigger.

The challenge really took shape after a message from Chris Fleet at The Devon Clinic, who Dave plays five-a-side football with on a Friday. Chris mentioned the charity’s work and suggested Dave might like to be involved. Knowing how vital mental health support is, especially for people who need help but cannot always afford it, Dave didn’t hesitate.

The Devon Clinic’s Trauma Charity provides affordable counselling and mental health support to people across the community, offering help at times when it is needed most. That purpose is what turned a fitness goal into a fundraising mission.

How Training is Going So Far

Training has involved a lot of early mornings, long coastal walks and plenty of hills. Dave has been putting the miles in along the South West Coastal Path, which has been a brilliant way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the region, even if they are far from flat.

The route itself is no small task. Starting at Westward Ho! and finishing on Paignton Seafront, the challenge takes in long distances, constant elevation changes and the mental test of keeping going through day and night.

Dave admits it has been tough at times, but the support, the scenery and the cause have made every mile worthwhile. We have shared a few photos of the journey so far, and it has been great to see so many people following along and cheering him on.

Adding a Bit of Datel Fun, Failure Bingo

Because no Datel challenge would be complete without a bit of fun, we introduced Failure Bingo as part of the fundraising.

Here’s how it works:

There are 68 squares, one for each mile of the challenge
Each square costs £5
You pick the mile you think Dave might give up on
If he completes the full distance, everyone is in with a chance to win

The winner receives £100, and every other penny raised goes directly to The Devon Clinic Trauma Charity.

It is all about raising money, raising awareness and keeping things light hearted along the way.

Why This Charity Matters

The Devon Clinic supports people dealing with trauma, stress and mental health challenges. Their work helps individuals access professional therapy and wellbeing services, often at low or no cost.

Mental health support is something many people need at some point in their lives, but not everyone can afford private counselling. This charity bridges that gap, offering real help, real conversations and real outcomes for people in our community.

By taking on this 24-hour walk, Dave hopes to shine a light on the importance of accessible mental health support and raise funds that will make a genuine difference.

You can find out more about the charity and their work on the Devon Clinic website here.

Join Dave for a Mile, or Support from Afar

This challenge is not just about one person walking alone. Anyone is welcome to get involved.

You can join Dave for a short section of the walk, offer moral support along the route, or simply follow the progress and send encouragement. Every message and every donation makes a difference.

If you would like to take part in the walk or donate, you can register or contribute via the Devon Clinic website or through the JustGiving campaign.

Whether you walk one mile, sixty eight miles, or simply support from the sidelines, thank you. Your encouragement and generosity are what make challenges like this possible.

We will continue to share updates as the big day approaches.