Darren Holloway (Pennine)

I knew Daz pretty well firstly as a fellow competitor, and then as a team-mate.

I remember one year at Ricky's race, Steph and I picked up his prize for him - a hamper of fruit. When I told him we'd got it and would he like me to bring it along to another race, he replied that I should give it to a local old person. That sums Daz up - always thinking of others.

In the last few years, his ability to reinvent himself as a top fellrunner in the V40 category was an inspiration to a lot of us. Naturally, we quizzed him about how he'd done it. Although it didn't come naturally to be talking about himself, he was always willing to answer my questions on the subject. He also gave a very worldly account of it, making it clear that the burden of all those additional hours' training has to be balanced against life commitments. Again, thinking about others.

I will remember him as a very honest and kind man.

When I first met Daz, I used to be amazed that a runner of his caliber would take the time to talk to, and encourage a very mediocre cloggy runner.
When I got to know him a bit better, I understood that that was just how he was. Passionate about the hills, gifted on the hills. Humble about his own achievements, generous with his advice, inspirational in his encouragements.

More recently, I often used to ask him for advice on some of the more 'interesting' sections of the lakes races.
The following is part of an exchange we had about the best line off Dale Head:

“Hanno what a lovely question and i hope like me you never find the answer. I still have not found the best line after 12 years of trying. Some things are best left as they are. In fellrunning there are things that remain magical and remain always a challenge.
I now always go left but hey whats a minute or two.
That is the beauty of the fells mate. You take care.”

Absolutely wonderful. What a guy.
A gent and a friend.

Rest in Peace Daz
My very best wishes to Amanda and Josh

Hanno – Pennine

Smiling at Wansfell

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8...bde22a58_b.jpg
R.I.P. Daz by Andy Holden, on Flickr

I didn’t know Daz other than by the forum, and seeing him disappear up the fell with the rest of the ‘quicks’. From reading this thread, and his blog, it is clear that he epitomised all that is good in fell running, and I hope that the universal affection and respect that have been shown for him can be of some comfort to his wife and child at this awful time.
R.I.P

I can't think of anything to add to all the thoughtful posts about Daz. I don't know how I did it but I never actually met him, I now wish I had. Been a bit numb, shocked, hardly believing since the news. Worried for Stevie K, it will have been especially shocking for him too. If I or anyone at Glossopdale can help please tell us how.

John S

It's taken a long time for me to summon up the courage to write something here, mainly because I simply don't have the words to describe how I'm feeling. Daz was such a good friend, I'm going to miss him terribly. I can't even begin to imagine how Amanda and Josh must be feeling.

The problem is, I don't do words. Daz did words, he did words very well, both spoken and written. The best thing I can do is provide yet another example of Daz's selflessness. This is an extract from an email he sent to a friend last year when I was struggling with an injury and it was looking like I wouldn't be able to run again:-

I've openly said I would trade all my 1st vet 40s, all my top tens etc etc etc just for Geoff to be able to run by the side of me in a race.

I always think of others, especially Pennine members.

That's just how he was - a perfect gentleman.

I was out last night with Stevie K. and he's, understandably, very shook up still.

As many others have said, Darren always supported those of us nearer the back of the pack. After the Lads Leap race earlier this year he replied to a post I had made on a blog that "the main aim of the day was to compete with like minded people in the hills that we love."

Never a truer word Darren & as has become clear from this forum, sometimes also with the people that we love.

I can't imagine standing on a start line without looking for you.

On behalf of Penistone Footpath Runners I would like to offer our condolences to family, friends and fellow club members of Darren in what we know will be a difficult time.
Our regards, thoughts and warm wishes to you all.
Simon R (Fell Secretary).

What is there to add to the growing list of glowing tributes to such a lovely, genuine person?
I only knew Daz through fell-running and like many others, was impressed by his unassuming and friendly nature, for such a competitive and impressive athlete. He was always happy to impart his knowledge and advice to anyone who sought it, whatever their ability (even a slow old git like me). My endearing memory was of a post-race discussion with Daz about descending: I admitted that I was rubbish and lacked confidence as soon as it got rocky after having suffered a bad fall in The Rhinogs a few years ago; to which Daz ernestly replied, with a gleam in his eye: "Oh, I can't resist pushing myself to the point of falling."

You will be remembered by many people for many things - all of them positive. How many people can say that of their lives?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeoffB

It's taken a long time for me to summon up the courage to write something here, mainly because I simply don't have the words to describe how I'm feeling. Daz was such a good friend, I'm going to miss him terribly. I can't even begin to imagine how Amanda and Josh must be feeling.

The problem is, I don't do words. Daz did words, he did words very well, both spoken and written. The best thing I can do is provide yet another example of Daz's selflessness. This is an extract from an email he sent to a friend last year when I was struggling with an injury and it was looking like I wouldn't be able to run again:-

I've openly said I would trade all my 1st vet 40s, all my top tens etc etc etc just for Geoff to be able to run by the side of me in a race.

I always think of others, especially Pennine members.

That's just how he was - a perfect gentleman.

I was out last night with Stevie K. and he's, understandably, very shook up still.

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I've not been in Pennine long and I wish I had known Daz better. This has hit me harder than I would have ever expected. My thoughts are with Daz's family and close friends, especially those at Pennine who had the honour to count Daz as a close friend. As you can tell, I'm no good with words either so I'll leave it to Daz as well. It is posts like these (link below) that make Pennine such a close knit club and make me so proud to pull on the red, yellow and black vest.

http://penninefellrunners.co.uk/word...p=370#more-370