Retired farmer and family walk 50 miles for charity
Retired farmer Dave Selby (left) and his family © Dave Selby A retired north Dorset farmer is taking on a personal and poignant challenge this week – walking 50 miles across the county to raise money for Cancer Research UK, with a vintage tractor escort leading the way.
Dave Selby, 72, is embarking on the four-day trek from Portland Bill to the village of Bourton.
He will be joined by three generations of his family, including daughter Hayley Baker, a fitness instructor, and grandchildren Lily, 10, Evie, nine, and Jack, six.
His eldest daughter, Rachael Birley, a part-time dance instructor, will accompany him for the full route, and wife Jackie will join for sections along the way.
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They begin on Saturday 13 September, averaging over 12 miles a day, and aim to finish with a well-earned pint at the White Lion pub in Bourton on Tuesday 16 September.
“I’ve lost quite a few friends and both my parents to cancer,” said Dave. “One of my best mates, Spencer Clarke, died three years ago aged 64. I wanted to do something to honour their memory.”
What makes the journey unique is the escort – a restored 1960s McCormick International tractor, lovingly rebuilt by close friend Stuart Spinney, who will drive ahead to alert traffic and ensure the group’s safety on country lanes.
“Stuart’s tractor turns heads wherever it goes – I think it’ll be a real talking point along the way,” said Dave, who spent much of his working life as a tenant farmer, mainly dairying.
Reluctance retiree
Retirement hasn’t come easily, however. “I found it very hard to stop,” he admitted. “One day you’re feeding animals, the next you’re looking at a small garden.
“That’s a big adjustment. But I still go to Frome and Salisbury markets most weeks – I just can’t let it go, and if I’m honest I don’t want to.”
Dave’s 27-year-old son Harry, who now runs a 52ha council tenanted dairy farm in north Dorset, will provide meals and accommodation for the team en route.
So far, the family has raised about £2,500 – smashing their initial £2,000 target – with support from local livestock markets, family and friends across the farming community and donations from the general public via Facebook.
Donations can still be made via ‘Dave and Rach’s JustGiving Page’.