A local runner will be heading to New York next month to fulfil his wife’s last wish in her memory. Dave Plummer, (64), from Clandown, took up running ten years ago after taking early retirement from the Civil Service. In that time, he has run nine marathons, 59 half marathons and many 10k and 5k races all over the UK.

Dave and his wife, Ann, loved going on holiday to Lanzarote where they owned an apartment. When they were there during February this year, they kept seeing TV promotional ads for New York.

Ann always wanted to visit the Big Apple and stroll down the famous 42nd Street, so Dave decided that he would apply for a place in this year’s New York Marathon due to take place on 5th November, not thinking for a moment that he would be lucky enough to win a place.

When they returned home in March, Dave received the surprise news that he had been allocated a space. Ann was overjoyed, and immediately started booking flights and accommodation, even ordering clothes for the trip.

Unfortunately, during the summer months, Ann became very unwell and underwent various spells in hospital. On 17th September, she sadly passed away in the Royal United Hospital, Bath. The evening before her death, Ann said to Dave that she wanted him to go to New York, run the Marathon for her and walk down 42nd Street in her memory. Dave told Ann he would do just that.

During her periods in hospital, Ann received much help and support from the RUH Chaplaincy Service. They would visit her most days, for which Ann was most grateful. In fact, following her death, donations in her memory were made to The Remembrance Fund RUH Chaplaincy.

Dave has decided that he wants to continue raising funds for the RUH Chaplaincy in Ann’s memory when he runs the marathon. You can sponsor him by sending donations to NJ Maggs, Funeral Directors, Highfields House, Bath Road, Oakhill, Radstock BA3 5AF. Cheques may be made payable to ‘The Remembrance Fund RUH Chaplaincy’.

When Dave takes part in the marathon, he will be wearing a blue running vest (blue was Ann’s favourite colour), with his name on the front, and Ann’s photo printed on the back in her memory.

It will be an emotional occasion for him, and although he has missed vital training runs in recent weeks, he is determined to give it 100% and achieve a sub 4 hours and 15 minute time, especially for Ann.

The local runner spent last weekend training, and achieved a 22-mile, two lap run along the Radstock to Mells cyclepath.