Published: 25 February, 2016
by CHARLIE CORBETT

FORMER chairman of the Chalk Farm Pool League Dave Hempstead has revealed he is swapping the relaxed nature of walking round pool tables for a mammoth 26.2-mile trek across the capital. 

The 64-year-old, who was one of the people who founded the pool league back in 1978, has signed up to take part in the London Marathon for the very first time to help raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children. 

The Kentish Town man wants to give back to the hospital as a thank you for all the fantastic work they have done for his two young grandsons, Harry and Scott. 

“Little Harry had open-heart surgery when he was two. We were not sure what the outcome would be but, thankfully, due to all the hard work they put in at Great Ormond Street, the outcome was a good one,” he said. 

“They have both had further major operations since then but have thankfully come through it. 

“Great Ormond Street has done it for them so I want to try and give something back. I am one of their designated runners this year and I want to do the best I can.” 

Dave, who still plays in his beloved pool league as part of the Sir Robert Peel ‘B’ team, says that he is getting stuck into his training, but admitted he still has a long way to go. 

“My biggest distance to date is Kentish Town to Borehamwood, which is just short of 14 miles,” he said. 

“I walked it with my other grandson, Rees, and we completed it in about three hours and 14 minutes. 

“Some time next week I’m going to see how far I can get in five hours, but my aim is to complete the marathon in six and half hours. 

“To be honest my main aim is just to get round in under eight hours because if you don’t then you won’t get an official time or a medal. But if I don’t do it in eight hours I don’t really deserve one! 

“I am training and giving it my all. I’m not going to turn up on the day and just hope for the best.” 

Dave is aiming to raise upwards of £3,000 and boost awareness for GOSH. 

To support him, visit: www.justgiving.com/David-Hempstead/