Billy The Kid Dash

Billy the Kid Dash 2009

2009-11-30T00:00:00+00:00

Billy the Kid Dash Penistone FM

2009-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

Billy the Kid Dash attracts over 1,000

2009-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

ON a hot Sunday morning last weekend over 1,000 people took part in the now annual Billy the Kid Dash, in Thurgoland.

The dash which follows a 3.5 mile route was held in support of the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund and in loving memory of David Marsh who tragically lost his life in March 2008 whilst serving as a Royal Marine in Afghanistan.

Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, push chairs and children all followed the route that David often took when training, starting at the Bridge Inn.

The winning time was just over 16 minutes but many families and young children also completed the course at their own speed.

Also taking part were Gary Cardwell and Pete Childe of the Stocksbridge and Deepcar Royal Naval Association.

Katy Marsh, David’s sister, who was part of the organising committee said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see so many family, friends and other local people come together to raise funds for the charity and also to keep my brother’s memory alive.”

Fiend of David Marsh and one of the event organisers, Adam Oldham told Look Local: “It was an absolutely tremendous turnout.

“Hundreds of people showed up to support the dash and of course pay their respects to David Marsh.

“All the organisers got together and said they wanted to make it annual, and so that’s what we’ll do.

“The music was fantastic too. James Wharton’s music really seemed to touch people.

“By coming together and remembering David each year, David’s daughter Molly will be able to see what sort of a person her father was when she gets older.”

David’s cousin, Daniel Marsh, echoed Adam’s comments and thanked everyone who was involved.
Daniel said: “David’s family and friends were really touched by the amount of support the day received.

“The weather was great and I think people who came along had a great day and hopefully they’ll return with friends next year.

“We had some Irish dancing which we hadn’t really planned in advance, it happened on the day and they were great.

“If anyone who still has sponsorship money for the event, go to one of the links below or get in contact with me via the website. I’d like to thank everyone who organised the event, they did a great job.”

Spencer Pitfield, Parliamentary Candidate for Penistone and Stocksbridge, who also took part in the dash commented: “I was so very pleased to see so many local people taking part and supporting this fantastic event.

“All monies raised will be given to the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund. The armed forces deserve all our support for the committed and sterling work they do on our behalf and The Billy the Kid Dash was a wonderful way to celebrate this locally.”

To find out more about the Billy the Kid dash log on to http://www.billythekiddash.co.uk/ or if you would like to donate you can do so online at http://www.justgiving.co.uk/billythekid/.

(via Look Local)

Lasting Memory / Tribute

2009-05-18T00:00:00+01:00

Please leave your memories of David Marsh and the Billy the Kid Dash.

Barnsley Independant January 7th 2009

2009-05-17T00:00:00+01:00

8k raised in memory of local marine

2009-05-17T00:00:00+01:00

OVER 350 people turned out in the rain last month for a fundraising run in memory of a Thurgoland Royal Marine, raising nearly £8,000.

Relatives and friends of 23-year-old David Marsh, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in March, took part in the ‘Billy the Kid Dash’ – a 3.5 mile run, walk or crawl around the Thurgoland block, which David himself used to do on a regular basis.

David’s sister Katy and wife Claire planted a tree in his memory and held a minute’s silence before the dash began at 10.30am, starting from The Bridge Inn, Thurgoland.

Adam Oldham, David’s friend, and Katy kindly updated Look Local on the Billy the Kid Dash – jokingly named in reference to one of David’s tattoos – and what they hope to do next.

Katy, 22, told Look Local: “The dash went really well, despite the weather, and we had an amazing turnout – Dave would have loved it.

“We organised the entire event in three weeks and thankfully it went without a hitch. We’d like to thank everyone who helped to organise the dash, including Dave’s cousin Dan Marsh and friends Ailsa Amos and Hayley Dixon. Also, a big thank you to everyone who took part, supported us or donated money.”

Adam, 23, added: “The course itself was quite demanding but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We’re hoping to make it an annual event and we are currently setting up a website in Dave’s memory.”

David, of the 40 Commando unit, was on active duty with another Marine in the Kajaki vicinity of Helmand Province when their vehicle was caught in an explosion.

The two were given medical treatment at the scene before being evacuated to the field hospital at Camp Bastion, but died from their wounds, despite the best efforts of the medical team.

David was born in Sheffield but had recently moved to Taunton in Somerset with his wife Claire and their daughter Molly. As well as sister Katy, he was survived by his parents Gary and Maxine.

Tributes to David from relatives, friends and colleagues praised the ‘dependability’, ‘comradeship’ and ‘zest for life’ of the young man who died protecting his country.

If anyone wishes to make a donation, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/billythekid. All funds raised will go to the Royal Marine Benevolent Fund, which helps relieve need, distress or hardship of those who have served or are currently serving, and their next of kin.