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He's talked the talk and walked the walk! Now Dial-a-Cab driver Bob
Woodford (P49) is jetting off to Morocco to take part in the world's
toughest foot race - the 15th Marathon des Sables which takes place this
month. Bob will be racing across 150 miles of the Sahara Desert carrying his
20-pound backpack of supplies on his back! Bob's training has now peaked and part of that training is for Bob to sit in a hot sauna - fully clothed - for long periods at a time. What does it feel like? "Bloody hot" said Bob... In addition to Bob writing in Call Sign about his experiences in the race, you can also watch the race progress on Eurosport (9th - 16th April). Bob will have the colourful Dial-a-Cab logo on his back, with DaC being Bob's main sponsor. Bob is a real cricket fan, so he couldn't believe his luck recently when he picked up former Kent county cricketer Graham Cowdrey (son of the legendary Colin). Graham works for DaC account client Sporting Index, whose business includes place betting. Bob explained about his attempt at the Marathon des Sables - in addition to telling Graham what a wonderful cricket player he was. "Can you believe" said Bob, "that my telecommunications system is yet to be sponsored!" "Ok" said Cowdrey 'junior', "how much will it cost us!" Bob continued his spiel first: "Did you know that to date one runner has died attempting the race while one poor guy got lost and was never seen again. It is hoped |
 Part of last years race THIS IS IT! DAC'S BOB IS OFF TO THE SAHARA... |
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someone and just forgot to notify the organisers!" "Ok, ok" said Graham, "just tell me how much!" So that is how Bob Woodford got his telecommunications system! And what did Sporting Index expect to get out of it? "Well" said Graham Cowdrey, "it stopped him nagging and this sophisticated system means that he can carry on betting with us from the Sahara! Seriously though, we wish Bob the very best of luck." Bob was one of four DaC drivers, including the late Paul Bishop, who ran marathons in aid of the baby life support charity, BLISS. Tragically, Paul died almost one year ago (May 17th 1999) from Motor Neurone disease and Bob will be running across the Sahara to try and raise funds to help fight this awful disease. He is also dedicating his race to Paul Bishop. Speaking to Call Sign, Paul Bishop's widow, Bernadette, spoke of the love she and her children still felt for Paul: "He was so much a part of |
our lives that even now, when
I have to make a tough decision, I ask myself what Paul would have done.
The disease that killed my Paul is awful and I am so proud that Bob, one
of Paul's close friends, should be dedicating the race to Paul. I hope he
can get the sponsorship that this amazing effort deserves..." Before leaving for the airport, Bob asked Call Sign to thank both the company and drivers for helping his sponsorship battle. "We have now left the sponsorship total behind and everything we collect now is all profit for MND" said Bob. "Fingers crossed, I hope to be able to present them with a sizeable cheque when I return." If you would like to help Bob raise money for Motor Neurone Disease, then this is your last chance. Bob's part is running across the Sahara Desert; you only have to send a cheque. Please make it out to Call Sign and send it to this mag at Brunswick House. Good luck Bob, and thanks to those who have already donated money... |
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