David Barnard races to end suffering

David Barnard is dedicated to making a difference in society through his participation in campaigns that raise awareness of social causes.

Barnard will run in the Grand to Grand Ultra from 25 September to 1 October, a 273km race held at one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon in the United States of America.

The race is in support of the End Fund and the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in Africa.

The Fairland resident is no stranger to participating in extreme races. He said that he has participated in four races since 2013, which have taken him to interesting places such as through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Sahara Desert, Antarctica and the Kalahari Desert. He is committed to raising awareness and funds to help over 1.6 billion people around the world, whose lives are affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

“I would like to raise awareness about the End Fund, which aims to end tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness). These diseases don’t get the same coverage as other diseases in other parts of the world.

“The people who are affected are the most impoverished and disadvantaged. The End Fund works with pharmaceutical companies and government organisations and aims to reach people affected by these diseases.”

He believes the impact of the diseases takes away from people’s quality of life and prevents them from living a normal life. These involve causing discomfort, neglect, lack of production and children not being able to go to school.

Barnard said he has been active in sports his entire life. “I prepare for races by doing lots of running and gym work to be able to cope with the long distances with the weight of my backpack. The race itself is about time and distance and, as you train, you are able to determine your own tricks of the trade.” He added that his backpack is filled with minimal clothing, dried food, powder for protein and energy drinks.