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
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