Praise for senior officer who walked solo across the country in aid of charity

4 October 2023

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton has praised the fundraising efforts of one of the Force’s senior officers who walked solo across the country in aid of charity.

Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby, the Divisional Commander for North Division, completed the 190-mile coast-to-coast walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire in eight days to raise money for Dementia UK.

Posting on his Justgiving page, he said: “I’m about two stone overweight with a glass back and limited outdoor experience.

“As such, the obvious charity challenge for me was to walk solo across England from coast to coast, carrying all my kit with no aid and no resupply.

“I could have picked donut eating or something, but no.”

Chief Superintendent Dave Kirby completed the 190-mile coast-to-coast walk.

Ch Spt Kirby camped in the wild, with the exception of one night in a bed and breakfast, and documented his trek on Facebook, updating each day with photos and videos.

He said he also hoped it would help people see the human side of the police and senior officers.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve done,” he said. “My feet are still numb from it.

“There were some funny moments and some difficult moments and some crazy moments.

“I was going over the Lakes and at one of the highest points when I was caught in a violent  thunderstorm.

“It was like something out of Lord of the Rings. It was absolutely crazy.”

Tony said: “Huge credit to Dave, it’s an amazing achievement to single-handedly walk 190 miles across the country in just eight days.

“Dementia UK is a really worthwhile cause. Many of us will be touched by dementia or know someone who has been touched by it.

"At a time when the police are under intense scrutiny, it again highlights the selflessness of officers in our Force in helping others."

Members can support Ch Spt Kirby through his Justgiving page.

READ MORE: Officers honoured at National Police Memorial Day.