Posted 07 July, 2009

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/