Darren Holloway (Pennine)

[Al Fowler]

Look at this thread. Its absolutely brilliant.
Its so so sad that we have lost a true great, but I cant help but feel proud that so many people have each said such nice words about Daz.
I mean, look at the view count of this thread...not even been live for 24 hours and theres over 16,700 views!!! You were something special Daz.


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!

[MorganW]

I'm also wondering about a fund for daz, where we could make a donation to mountain rescue, as an alternative to inundating Amanda, Josh and family with cards and flowers? I am sure most of us would like to mark our respect and condolences in some way.

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

[coach clamp]

Iam going to miss him. a true gent,i just whish i could have thanked him fof all the encouragement,motivation,and mentoring he gave to my son Andy over the years .I havent known much grief in my life but its funny how someone you meet now and again can have such an impact on you. If there is a god up there he will be wearing walshys by christmas. miss you mate.

Gary Fleet

[lantern rouge]

In addition to losing one of our own from the fell running community, we've lost a stalwart forumite. His contributions will be missed by all of us on here.

As to how his family must be feeling, we can only begin to imagine; words like 'shock' and 'grief' are entirely insufficient. Though a stranger, I send my sincere condolences to them.

Likewise.

I met Daz briefly on Emma Gregory's BG a couple of years ago... he struck me as very experienced and accomodating to a novice BG aspirant such as myself. From his posts, and the words of those who knew him well, I can see he will leave a huge void.

My very best wishes to his family and friends.

[Sam Harrison]

Terribly sad news, my thoughts are with his family and friends.

[Starsky]

I didn’t know Daz but have found myself deeply moved by his tragic passing, especially reading all the inspirational tales about him from those that did know him. Seems like a great example for all both as a runner and a person. I suppose I view fell running as a community (as I am sure everyone on here does) and the fact that someone who was clearly such an integral part of that community could have been taken at his prime is very sad indeed.

As I say my own experience of Daz is limited but I do remember earlier this year once the excitement of getting a place in what was to be my first Ben race had died down I was left with the inevitable question of “how the hell do you train for Ben Nevis??” a quick search later and I was soon reading about Daz’s amazing efforts at both Ben Nevis and elsewhere, there’s a man worth listening to I thought, I just wish I had the chance to listen some more.

RIP Daz.

[glyderau]

I never had the pleasure of meeting Daz who, by all the accounts here, was an absolutely gentleman and fell running legend. Our Leg 4 runners stopped to help but by the time they arrived there were already many other selfless runners and others doing everything they could, and I probably unwittingly passed him on our descent to Hartsop.

Our sport has lost one of its great champions in every sense and I feel honoured to have even been in some of the same races as him. It's no consolation, but at least he was running free over the high fells on a perfect day right to the end. My thoughts go out to his family and friends on their loss. Rest in peace Daz.

[iveletmyselfdown]

so sad and shocked to hear this. reading the 16 pages of posts is hard but heartwarming.

daz was such an inspiration to me both whilst I ran for pennine and after. hard as nails when he raced but so genuine and open when having a crack away from the fells.

lots of memories but the most apt were during his and mine BGs. when I helped daz and andy, I was really struck by how close they had become during their buildup and it seemed a real team effort. they both inspired me to push on and attempt the next year...

and when I came to plan mine, straightaway I asked daz and geoff to support leg 3, as I knew I would find it tough. which I did. but having him there inspired me to keep going through the rough patch and ultimately succeed.

christ, daz's bike choice (custom steel Rourke) even inspired me to get something similar.

running and riding gives you much time to reflect and think. even this morning on my ride into work, I stopped and looked at the sun rising over the ennerdale fells, thinking of daz.

my thoughts are with his family.

toby cushion
keswick ac

[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.

[Easy Life]

To Darren's family and many, many friends
Quite clearly a man held in very high regard
With sincere condolences at this very sad time
All at Ellenborough AC