Darren Holloway (Pennine)

I discovered Daz's blog by accident a year or so ago and found it incredibly encouraging - his attitude to running, to racing, and indeed to life meant just as much to me (a back-of-the-pack runner) as they clearly did to the guys who could keep up with him. What a terrible blow.

I've just been numb since Sunday and not been able to face logging on here, and like others have said it doesen't seem real. Someone else said that everyone has a Daz story well I have too, I ran the Hart Crag leg with him a couple of years ago - a huge mismatch of course but of course Daz made it a special day and really fired me up even though he must have felt like he was dragging a bag of spuds round. Of course that day has become an even more poignant memory now. There aren't enough like Daz and if there were more the world would be a better place.

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Originally Posted by MorganW

I am guessing (and hoping) that the family will let us know how they might wish us to show our respect shortly.

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I'm sure you're right. I've checked, and sites like just giving accept mountain rescue as a charity. Alternatively, if anyone was capable or wished to organise a simple short fell race with a high entry fee to go to charity or similar. I wouldn't fancy organising it myself however, I'm just mooting an idea.

Been thinking about this all day. So incredibly sad

Such a sad loss, one who has touched so many and is lost by a community, echoed by the comments and stories on here.
sincere condolences to family, friends and all who knew him.
Lynne, Glossopdale

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Originally Posted by Rob Furness

I'm sure you're right. I've checked, and sites like just giving accept mountain rescue as a charity. Alternatively, if anyone was capable or wished to organise a simple short fell race with a high entry fee to go to charity or similar. I wouldn't fancy organising it myself however, I'm just mooting an idea.

Been thinking about this all day. So incredibly sad

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Its already been talked about and we have a couple or more willing to organise it. (all money's to Mountain Rescue)
Lets grieve first and then we will put our best foot forward in true DH style.

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Originally Posted by Rob Furness

if anyone was capable or wished to organize a simple short fell race with a high entry fee to go to charity or similar.

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Believe people are having a think along those lines, but things are understandably very difficult at the moment. I am a relatively new member to Pennine and with not doing many races it was very infrequently I came across Daz. Some of the senior Pennine members were much closer to him.

I never met Daz and have only known him from this forum, but he is sadly missed, both here and on the fells.

Daz - a real inspiration, incredibly tough and incredibly gentle at the same time. If Daz gave advice, it was always worth listening to. He was a great listener. He helped me (and I expect many others) when I was down.

To Amanda, Josh and all those family and friends that loved Daz (not forgetting Badger), my heartfelt sympathy.

Richard

All I have been asked by Amanda to post Darren’s cause of death following on from his PM:

This is as follows:
Left Ventricular hypertrophic obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Hype...iomyopathy.htm

The coroner assured has Darren’s loved ones that he did not suffer at all, and would not have known anything about it.

This year's XOTF is to be dedicate to Darren he was coming anyway he just did not post about it! there will be a few words spoken on Darling fell, and a trot round the lakeland fells he loved so much.
This low key event the beer and craic that followed, is what he would have approved of so in the short term this will be the event for this year, please see XOTF thread for info.

Next year hopefully Aug or October an official race will be organised, of which we will require assistance from the FRA, ( Mr Breeze ;)) I for one have no problem in organising this event and I know many more that want to help so please bear with us.

Amanda has asked that if you wish to make a donation, that any donations will be spilt half way between Woodhead MRT and the air ambulance but I need help with from somebody to 1, advise me which helicopter lifted Daz off and 2, to set up just giving thingy???

Maybe somebody can set it up for his family? Dom you’re a pc wizard r u not?

Amanda will inform the undertaker about donations.

As soon as Amanda informs me about the funeral arrangements I will post the information providing Amanda says it’s ok to let everybody know.

I know lots want to organise events but please be patient i want to ensure that loved ones and ones who Darren loved are all ok with any event now and in the future.

It’s a sad sad time but let us as a fell running community try and build some good from this darkness.

Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob Furness

I'm sure you're right. I've checked, and sites like just giving accept mountain rescue as a charity. Alternatively, if anyone was capable or wished to organise a simple short fell race with a high entry fee to go to charity or similar. I wouldn't fancy organising it myself however, I'm just mooting an idea.

Been thinking about this all day. So incredibly sad

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Re Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

It's round about 10 years since John Taylor, top fell runner from Bingley, died with the same diagnosis. Same tragic early death of a very fit young man who loved fell running.

For info see the John Taylor Foundation which is administered by Kirsten Bailey.

http://www.johntaylorfoundation.org.uk/index.html

Steve,

Thanks for the update. If i can be of assistance with anything then please let me know.

Andy

Only met Daz a couple of times, on cold, dark BG nights on pacing duty a few years back. Cheerful, enthusiastic and positive, he was always up for it, instilling optimism in all around with his energy and belief. A great bloke to have on a team.

Such a very sad time, but I think his legacy will be profound on many levels, not least by reminding us of some very important, core values.

Condolences to family, friends and club mates, such a sad loss, thoughts are with you.

Duncan & all at Helm Hill Runners

This just received from Amanda

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Myself, Josh and Darren's Mum and Dad would like to thank every one that stopped to help Darren on Sunday, we know everything possible was done for him, and you all unselfishly gave up time for him.........

Steve Knowles .... I know I have via telephone personally thanked you already, but I am so glad he wasn't alone xxxxxxx

Amanda

As soon as we get confirmation I will confirm funeral details as any of Dazs friends, running colleagues will be welcome to say farewell to him.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Amex

All I have been asked by Amanda to post Darren’s cause of death following on from his PM:

This is as follows:
Left Ventricular hypertrophic obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Hype...iomyopathy.htm

The coroner assured has Darren’s loved ones that he did not suffer at all, and would not have known anything about it.

This year's XOTF is to be dedicate to Darren he was coming anyway he just did not post about it! there will be a few words spoken on Darling fell, and a trot round the lakeland fells he loved so much.
This low key event the beer and craic that followed, is what he would have approved of so in the short term this will be the event for this year, please see XOTF thread for info.

Next year hopefully Aug or October an official race will be organised, of which we will require assistance from the FRA, ( Mr Breeze ;)) I for one have no problem in organising this event and I know many more that want to help so please bear with us.

Amanda has asked that if you wish to make a donation, that any donations will be spilt half way between Woodhead MRT and the air ambulance but I need help with from somebody to 1, advise me which helicopter lifted Daz off and 2, to set up just giving thingy???

Maybe somebody can set it up for his family? Dom you’re a pc wizard r u not?

Amanda will inform the undertaker about donations.

As soon as Amanda informs me about the funeral arrangements I will post the information providing Amanda says it’s ok to let everybody know.

I know lots want to organise events but please be patient i want to ensure that loved ones and ones who Darren loved are all ok with any event now and in the future.

It’s a sad sad time but let us as a fell running community try and build some good from this darkness.

Steve

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Steve, it was the North West Air Ambulance. Please see nwaa.net

Andy

Out of the country at the moment but, thanks to a text from Toffer, the terrible news has reached me. So time stops for a while. For contemplation. A struggle to understand why it should be so true that only the good die young.

I hope that the positive messages of love and respect written here have some tiny incalculable salve to the pain of loss felt by those closest to him. For myself, I would want Amanda to know that I only knew Daz on this forum but that his amazing persona managed to completely transcend a limitation that few others could overcome. As a result, I felt like I knew him personally. When he PM,d me the other day about something, I felt like I had endorsement from common-sense central.
I wish I had met him. Obviously a great bloke.

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Originally Posted by slats

Steve, it was the North West Air Ambulance. Please see nwaa.net

Andy

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Thanks Andy------- Dom ?????

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Originally Posted by Amex

Thanks Andy------- Dom ?????

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Check.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Amex

All I have been asked by Amanda to post Darren’s cause of death following on from his PM:

This is as follows:
Left Ventricular hypertrophic obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Hype...iomyopathy.htm

The coroner assured has Darren’s loved ones that he did not suffer at all, and would not have known anything about it.

This year's XOTF is to be dedicate to Darren he was coming anyway he just did not post about it! there will be a few words spoken on Darling fell, and a trot round the lakeland fells he loved so much.
This low key event the beer and craic that followed, is what he would have approved of so in the short term this will be the event for this year, please see XOTF thread for info.

Next year hopefully Aug or October an official race will be organised, of which we will require assistance from the FRA, ( Mr Breeze ;)) I for one have no problem in organising this event and I know many more that want to help so please bear with us.

Amanda has asked that if you wish to make a donation, that any donations will be spilt half way between Woodhead MRT and the air ambulance but I need help with from somebody to 1, advise me which helicopter lifted Daz off and 2, to set up just giving thingy???

Maybe somebody can set it up for his family? Dom you’re a pc wizard r u not?

Amanda will inform the undertaker about donations.

As soon as Amanda informs me about the funeral arrangements I will post the information providing Amanda says it’s ok to let everybody know.

I know lots want to organise events but please be patient i want to ensure that loved ones and ones who Darren loved are all ok with any event now and in the future.

It’s a sad sad time but let us as a fell running community try and build some good from this darkness.

Steve

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I wasn't planning on adding anything more to this thread. so many people have said so much already I feel I can't add to anything else. However since Woodhead MRT has come up I will mention that Daz has donated money regularly to the team and was always asking how we were doing. I'd be happy to help as a liason for the team.

I did wonder if anyone fancied a low key run either after the Funeral or if Amanda wanted it to be a family affair we could meet in Hayfield and a have a trot round the Downfall route? nothing official just a group of friends going out for a run.

Re a race then I'd be happy to helpout Steve......Put me down for Kitcheck....

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Originally Posted by Mark Smith

THere's going to be a huge gathering of our community at Church Stretton this weekend of course, and I know everyone will pay their respects in the time honoured way at the start. I dare say the good people at Mercia are already planning for this. Stef mentioned wearing something too, a ribbon i think (so many pages back! :) ). This is a nice idea and I wondered about everyone wearing something, anything as a personal tribute and mark of respect? I'll wear a black buff as an armband or wrist band i think in honour of Daz during my leg (pairs, leg 2) and will think of him when i start to wuss it and back off on a descent or start moaning for my partner to slow down on the climb to Pole Bank!

I suppose it doesn't have to be black, a ribbon or anything prescribed - just a personal, visible tribute. It would be really something to look around at the dozens of runners and to know at glance they are all thinking of Daz and wishing he was there, somewhere ahead blazing a trail on the Long Mynd.

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Hi - I'm the guy who does the shouting/announcing at the start of Shropshire races. Would someone senior from Darren's club like to give me a call about procedings for Sunday morning (Charlie on 01743 289946).

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Originally Posted by summitsup

Hi - I'm the guy who does the shouting/announcing at the start of Shropshire races. Would someone senior from Darren's club like to give me a call about procedings for Sunday morning (Charlie on 01743 289946).

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I have emailed Alan with these details

Quote:

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Originally Posted by summitsup

Hi - I'm the guy who does the shouting/announcing at the start of Shropshire races. Would someone senior from Darren's club like to give me a call about procedings for Sunday morning (Charlie on 01743 289946).

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Hi Summitsup

Please read post below: put together with Amanda's clearance.


All I have been asked by Amanda to post Darren’s cause of death following on from his PM:

This is as follows:
Left Ventricular hypertrophic obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Hype...iomyopathy.htm

The coroner assured has Darren’s loved ones that he did not suffer at all, and would not have known anything about it.

This year's XOTF is to be dedicate to Darren he was coming anyway he just did not post about it! there will be a few words spoken on Darling fell, and a trot round the lakeland fells he loved so much.
This low key event the beer and craic that followed, is what he would have approved of so in the short term this will be the event for this year, please see XOTF thread for info.

Next year hopefully Aug or October an official race will be organised, of which we will require assistance from the FRA, ( Mr Breeze ) I for one have no problem in organising this event and I know many more that want to help so please bear with us.

Amanda has asked that if you wish to make a donation, that any donations will be spilt half way between Woodhead MRT and the air ambulance but I need help with from somebody to 1, advise me which helicopter lifted Daz off and 2, to set up just giving thingy???

Maybe somebody can set it up for his family? Dom you’re a pc wizard r u not?

Amanda will inform the undertaker about donations.

As soon as Amanda informs me about the funeral arrangements I will post the information providing Amanda says it’s ok to let everybody know.

I know lots want to organise events but please be patient i want to ensure that loved ones and ones who Darren loved are all ok with any event now and in the future.

It’s a sad sad time but let us as a fell running community try and build some good from this darkness.


Thanks
Steve

Thanks Amex :)

There's a statement from Jon and Scoffer on the Hodgson website now. It doesn't add to what you already know if you've been reading this thread, but it includes a nice message that Daz sent in after the Hodgson last year.

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Originally Posted by DrPatrickBarry

Mark you should have posted the link to the photo
http://penninefellrunners.co.uk/word...2/03/daz11.jpg

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I hope you don't mind: I've used this image to illustrate the page. Please let me know what credit should be given.

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Originally Posted by wrross

There's a statement from Jon and Scoffer on the Hodgson website now. It doesn't add to what you already know if you've been reading this thread, but it includes a nice message that Daz sent in after the Hodgson last year.



I hope you don't mind: I've used this image to illustrate the page. Please let me know what credit should be given.

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This pic was taken by Mark Fermer (Pennine).

I didn't know Daz other than via his postings on here and he came across as a thoroughly nice chap.

R.I.P my fellow running friend.

I have had some amazing battles with Daz over the last 2 years, It's been a real pleasure to get to know him
A chat at the start and some cracking banter afterwards, Daz simply had time for everybody he wasn't like the rest of us whinging about little niggles that we all have!
He simply loved racing. We both got lost on the Stan Bradshaw round earlier this year & both decided to push each other home whilst having a right good laugh about where we'd been, Then share a brew at the finish!!
Anni Waltz, Coniston, Fairfield more recently the Ben & Scafell Pike.
The Ben stands out the most, Daz loved the Ben & really spurred myself & Sam Watson on, you knew if you'd beat Daz that you'd had a cracking race because no one climbed has hard.
That night we all shared one or 3 lagers!! We were all over the moon for young Andy Fleet winning the under 23 trophy but no more so than Daz, his smile said it all when Fleeter filled the trophy full of booze, singing Champione!!!

It's been a tough few weeks, I lost my mother in law only 2 weeks ago to cancer (Karen Slater) who was a fantastic fell runner who inspired me to battle against the likes of Daz, I hope your both running free wherever you both maybe you will forever be in my thoughts with a smile on my face when on the fells

It still all seems a bit unreal, but one thing I know for sure is that Daz would want the show to go on, I will miss that Pennine vest & cycling cap combo & all the battles we had, you will never be forgotten fella.
Run free my friend & may you rest in peace

My thoughts are with all Dazs family at this terribly sad time.

Mark McGoldrick
Wharfedale Harriers

Daz at Honister in 2008, he may look tired, but he told me later he'd 7 minute miled the road section back to Keswick!
Happy Days, that was great weekend:thumbup:Attachment 6419

Attachment 6420

I've told a couple of folk in the last day or two that I always loved meeting daz. He lived less than 10miles from where I grew up and sounded more like me than I do! The photo is of him running for Derbyshire in the 2010 Inter-counties. I met him for the first time at XOTF in 2007 and the last time was just before the start of the Scafell Pike race when wharfee took that wonderful picture of him climbing Lingmell

I hope this works.... I've set up a "Just Giving Team" with links to two pages to give donations to Woodhead MRT and to North West Air Ambulance. Please give generously to both of these charities.

http://www.justgiving.com/teams/dazh/

Thanks,

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Originally Posted by Al Fowler

When something like this happens, its such a reminder about how short and how precious life is. As my mum keeps telling me, you only live once and you've got to make damn sure it was a happy one. We all do things we dont want to do that keeps others happy, and we often involve ourselves in things that make us unhappy. Life is too short, and depending on what you believe, you've only got one shot at it.
Do as Daz did.....one life, live it!

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Great Post!

I can't stop reading these tributes

I don't actually know what to write...i was really looking forward to seeing him at xmas, his sharp chappy dress sense was fantastic. He took the trouble to PM me happy birthday last month, very thoughtful.

I'll always remember his post in response to my experience of the 2011 relays in Kettlewell. Full of encouragement and he seemed genuinely impressed by my confidence with the nav leg, he remarked how i seemed to take it all in my stride. It really and truly was praise from Caesar. I just know i'm not going to sleep tonight.

Luke Appleyard, Wharfedale Harriers.

Very sad news indeed.
I didnt know Darren very well but he always said hello and gave a nod as we came from the same area. I last saw him at Coniston blasting past me going up Swirl How, giving me a few words of encouragement as he did so.
My thoughts are with his family. RIP.

Such sad news to hear and some very touching comments on this thread that bring a tear to the eye....about someone who had time for everyone and was a tremendous runner.
I never really knew Daz that well, and I have only met him the once, but I will certainly be donating to the two charities that have been suggested by his family.

Thoughts are with his many friends and family at such a sad time...

Like many others here, I only knew Daz through reading his posts and on his blog. It's just so shocking and sad, such a selfless and genuine guy. My thoughts go out to Darren's loved ones and friends.

I knew Darren as a fellow competitor with a welcoming nod here and a congratulatory handshake there and at this sad time my heart goes out to all his loved ones. We have lost one of the fell running family and this collosus of a man will be greatly missed.
RIP Daz

Stephen Smithies
Calder Valley Fell Runners

I just read this on Louise's Facebook... So very sorry to hear this... when i was on this site he was one of the most loveliest and friendliest people who made me feel welcome he had such a heart of gold... so very sad to hear this news... RIP Darren. God bless you're family. xx

my thoughts go out to Darrens family and friends at this sad time ,paul brittleton

I have just received a very moving comment about the photo I took of Daz at this year's Scafell Pike race and I thought I should share the words on here...

In sunshine and in shadow that cheery grin will grace these fells forever

Be not sad, in the grand scheme of things Daz has now transcended to even greater heights

One day we all have to make that transition and Daz made his swiftly in a place that he loved

The spirit of Daz now runs freely with the sunlight and the shadows which race across these fells

Remember Daz thus...always

Terribly sad news my thoughts go out to Darrens family n friends.

Alan just sent this link to the Pennine members. It explains Cardiomyopathy very clearly
http://www.johntaylorfoundation.org.uk/hcm.html