Quote Originally Posted by Al Fowler View Post
Its just absolutely terrible.
When I found out last night I was in utter shocker. I just cant get my head round it.

Nobody has a bad word to say about Daz, and as everybody has said above he was just an absolute gent. Regardless of who you were, Daz has respect for you. I remember him saying that he didnt feel in awe of those better than him...we're all the same, but I always felt in awe when Id race with him.

I first met Daz at my first every fell race back in 2009 for "The Roaches". I didnt have any fell shoes and a week later he gave me a pair of his walshes. We first 'raced' each other for the Skiddaw race, and he helped me up to the top before flying down like a nutter.
Finest moment was when he pretty much dragged me round the 2010 Anniversary Walz race, Id completely blown up before High Spy but he kept shouting and pushing and in the end I beat him on the final descent.

This year has been the best year of Daz's racing life. The training and dedication he put in was more than inspirational. He was a handy runner before he upped his training, but this year he's just been amazing. 5th at Three Shires, and 1st MV40 at Scafell Pike.

The last words he wrote on his blog, A brilliant day. Sums Daz up. Absolutey lived for the sport.

Daz my friend I will miss you so much. I'll have you in my mind everytime I dont want to train, when Im suffering and need that push, and everytime I race. What a guy. RIP fella.
Quote Originally Posted by Fleeter View Post
Well I think I am just as devastated and shocked by the news as everyone else is in our little community. Daz enriched so many peoples lives and I regarded him as not just a top friend but someone who I admired and respected as a runner and as a person. We shared many great experiences in the mountains and I will always fondly remember reaching the summit of Ben Nevis together in the 2009 race and trying like hell to keep up with him on the descent. Alas he kicked my arse! He was always encouraging others and I was no different. He helped me develop as a runner and was always there to help me out when I needed it.

One thing I will add is that I happened to be on the same leg as Daz yesterday and the compassion showed by other runners and people out on the hill was immense and very heart warming. Its going to be tough for a while but I'm sure if we all stay positve we can celebrate his life and honour him the way he would like to be remembered.

Rest in peace mate, I'll miss you.

Andy Fleet
Calder Valley Fell Runners
Moved to tears by these posts from the young uns, Daz would be proud of you both.