Man completes fundraising hat trick following major back surgery

COLCHESTER resident Dave Waterman has completed a major milestone in his recovery from a serious back injury.

On Sunday 2 September the 46-year-old completed the Action Medical Research Essex 100 bike ride to complete his hat trick of challenges for the children’s charity.

“It feels really good” said the Company Director at the finish line in Chelmsford. “I’m just so pleased I’ve been able to complete all three events and help raise some money for Action.”

Dave underwent major back surgery towards the end of 2016; although the cause of his pain has never been diagnosed, he believes it’s linked to a motorcycle collision he had as a teenager.

“I’ve always been fairly active and I remember lying in the hospital bed immediately following the operation feeling a bit sorry for myself.

“Mentally preparing for these three fundraisers definitely helped my physical recovery process; it gave me something to aim for, so now I’ll have to have a think about my next challenge!”

Earlier this year Dave successfully completed the Virgin Money London Marathon as well as a 40-mile hike with Action’s ‘Trek The Night: South Downs Way’.

He hopes to collectively raise £3,000 and is on target to beat his goal.

“Being a Dad, it’s very sobering to think about all the work Action does to raise funds for research into various childhood illnesses and conditions.

“For me, being able to have fun running, hiking and cycling while raising money for a great cause is a win-win!”

Action’s Community Fundraising Manager for Essex, Lyndsay Wood told Charity Today:

“We are so pleased for Dave; it’s a massive personal achievement for him and really fitting that his final 2018 challenge was here in his home county.

“Dave is such a passionate supporter of ours and we are really grateful for all that he has done to help raise funds and awareness for us.”

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952 including helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine.

The charity is currently funding research into conditions including asthma, prematurity, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions.

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