Devon pub operator joins forces with veterans to raise more than £4,000 for Poppy Appeal
The Exchange, a popular pub in Ivybridge, has raised a huge £4,050 for the Poppy Appeal through an epic 300-mile coastline walk.
Over the course of 21 challenging days, three locals – Navy veterans Leighton Lucas, 76, and Dermot Robert, 66, along with Dave Cooper, operator of The Exchange, took on three gruelling hikes, covering a combined total of 300 miles on foot.
Living with diabetes and managing regular insulin injections didn’t stop Dave from taking on the challenge alongside two of his closest friends. Between them, the trio have faced their fair share of adversity – including three heart attacks and two open-heart surgeries – but that didn’t deter them from taking on the 300-mile challenge.
The walks took place along the stunning Devonshire coastline, boasting some of the best views and hardest walking environments in the country. The first of the hikes was the infamous coast to coast walk on the Two Moors Way, followed by the Tamar Valley Walk and the South-West Coastal Path.
The walks took a week each to complete, with the trio having one rest day in between the treks, before getting the walking boots back on and taking on the next leg of the challenge.
Battling adverse weather conditions and taking on tough terrain and countless hills, the trio were spurred on by donations and their own motivations to raise as much money as possible for a vital cause.
But this was not just an incredible effort by the trio - Devon locals also played their part by wishing the walkers well with some households even waiting outside their houses with water, teas and biscuits on days they knew the trio would be passing.
Although Dave had never served in the forces, he wanted to give something back, as his grandfather Dickie Bird was a Regimental Sergeant Major of Northamptonshire, serving his country for 22 years.
Dave said: “To see the community come together to support the Poppy Appeal is a prime example of what makes our Devon community so brilliant.
“The guests here at The Exchange are always keen to support our fundraising ideas - we've raised more than £4,000 for our walks, and it’s been heartwarming to see the community come together and support Dermot, Leighton and I.
“The walks were one of the hardest challenges we’ve all undertaken, and I think my legs have only just about recovered. But watch this space as we’ve got plenty more ideas in the pipeline to raise funds for some brilliant charities!”
This monumental fundraising effort could not have been achieved without the generosity of the Devon community - many people in the area have personal connections to the military and the Poppy Appeal and were eager to help a great cause. To support the trio’s walk, you can donate to the Poppy Appeal’s Ivybridge branch here.
Located on 1 Fore Street, the popular pub plans to build on its success with continued fundraising events designed to engage the community.
For more information about upcoming events at the Exchange, visit its websitehttps://www.craftunionpubs.com/exchange-ivybridge
