Our intrepid Brighton Marina store manager Darren Evans is all set for a gruelling 106-mile fundraising ride and run to mark his retirement after 36 years with Asda.
Dubbed "Asda La Vista Baby", the event on July 30 will see him visit all the stores he has worked at in East Sussex.
Darren, who's 53, will kick start his challenge at 6am from Asda Crawley and cycle 58 miles to our St Leonards-on-Sea store before running 14 miles to Asda Eastbourne. He’ll then cycle 27 miles to Asda Brighton Hollingbury before running the final seven miles of the challenge to our Brighton Marina store.
He’s raising funds for the Wolo Foundation, a charity set up to offer financial help, services and practical advice to families affected by cancer, and promoting Sport in Mind - the mental health sports charity that uses sport and physical activity to aid the recovery of people experiencing mental illness and combat suicide. He’s also set up a Just Giving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Darren-AsdaLavistaBaby
Darren said: “It's a tough challenge – and the first 58 miles are going to be very tough – but with everything that is going on at the moment, I felt it needed to be extreme for people to put their hands in their pockets.
"It will be great going back to my old stores and a great way to leave Asda. I have met a lot of wonderful people over 36 years and Asda has been such a big part of my life since I was a 17-year-old trainee butcher at High Wycombe store in 1983.
“I’ve really enjoyed my career with Asda, but now it is time to move on and spend time with family and friends and being me. As the charity stands for We Only Live Once it really resonated with me. Life is no dress rehearsal and at times it becomes really tough whether that’s physically or mentally.
"I know a lot of people who have been affected by mental health and others who have lost their lives due to disease such as cancer and some of them far too early in life.
"There are times in life when you take stock. Whether that’s losing a loved one or going through a personal situation and it makes you question your own mortality.
"Time flies so quickly so make every minute count. Don’t wait to fulfil your dreams."
Darren is hoping to have collections in the stores on route for colleagues and customers to contribute. So far he has raised £1,100 towards his £5,000 total.
Good luck Darren!
