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David on course to complete end-to-end challenge hitting golf balls





David at his starting point at John O'Groats.
David at his starting point at John O'Groats.

End-to-end golfer David Sullivan is on course to complete his 1000-mile challenge to raise funds for life-saving defibrillators.

The 58-year-old from Surrey, a former armed forces trainer, set off from John O’Groats in June on a trek that will take him all the way to Land's End while hitting a golf ball.

He is due to reach his destination on Sunday, August 22.

David set the task – which involves walking between 14 and 30 miles every day and camping overnight – to raise awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to raise funds that will enable more communities to have defibrillators installed.

At every stop on the journey he has been training people in how to perform CPR.

David’s passion for teaching CPR began in 2016 when, while playing golf, he was faced with a life-or-death situation. When a young man experienced a cardiac arrest in front of him, David luckily knew what to do – he gave CPR for 17 minutes until the man could be treated with a defibrillator.

“It was thanks to my training, and a defibrillator being nearby, that I was able to help save the man, who luckily made a full recovery,” David said. “When something like that happens right in front of you, it makes you realise how precious life is and how important it is to know what to do in that kind of emergency.

"It was an experience which profoundly affected me, and now it’s my mission to create an army of lifesavers all over the country.”

David had hoped to raise £60,000, which would mean that 60 locations in Britain could be kitted out with a defibrillator, but at just over £8300 he still has a long way to go.

“I’m imploring individuals and businesses all over the country to support this endeavour," he said.

"Until a cardiac arrest happens to you, or someone you know, it’s impossible to truly understand how critical defibrillators are. Being treated with a defibrillator can literally mean the difference between life and death.

"We saw this recently when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. It can happen to anyone at any age at any time. Being treated with a defibrillator increases someone’s chance of survival by up to 70 per cent.”

David practising a golf shot outside Mackays Hotel in Wick on the shortest street in the world, Ebenezer Place.
David practising a golf shot outside Mackays Hotel in Wick on the shortest street in the world, Ebenezer Place.

Donations can be made by visiting David's JustGiving page.

Golfing retailer American Golf is sponsoring David.

Gary Favell, chief executive officer of American Golf, said: “When we heard about the incredible challenge David had set himself, we immediately wanted to lend American Golf’s support.

"David has found a way to harness his golfing prowess not only to highlight the importance of knowing CPR through his own personal experience, but to train people along his journey. He is a true inspiration."


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