‘The walks were one of the hardest challenges’ – Devon pub boss and veterans take on major 300-mile trek

A Devon pub operator has joined forces with two Navy veterans to raise over £4,000 for the Poppy Appeal following a gruelling 300-mile trek across the county’s coastline.

Dave Cooper, who runs The Exchange pub in Ivybridge, part of the Stonegate Group, walked alongside Navy veterans Leighton Lucas, 76, and Dermot Robert, 66, completing three separate hikes over the course of 21 days.

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Despite managing diabetes with regular insulin injections, Mr Cooper took on the challenge with his two close friends. Between them, the trio have undergone three heart attacks and two open-heart surgeries.

The walkers tackled the Two Moors Way coast to coast route, the Tamar Valley Walk, and the South West Coast Path, each hike taking around a week to complete, with one rest day between them.

They were met with challenging terrain and adverse weather, but were spurred on by donations and support from the local community. Some residents stood outside their homes to offer water, tea, and biscuits as the group passed by.

Mr Cooper, who has not served in the armed forces himself, said he was inspired by his grandfather, Dickie Bird, who was a Regimental Sergeant Major in Northamptonshire and served for 22 years.

He said: “To see the community come together to support the Poppy Appeal is a prime example of what makes our Devon community so brilliant.

“The guests here at The Exchange are always keen to support our fundraising ideas, we've raised more than £4,000 for our walks, and it’s been heartwarming to see the community come together and support Dermot, Leighton and I.

“The walks were one of the hardest challenges we’ve all undertaken, and I think my legs have only just about recovered. But watch this space as we’ve got plenty more ideas in the pipeline to raise funds for some brilliant charities!”

The Exchange, located on 1 Fore Street in Ivybridge, says it plans to build on the success of the fundraiser with more community events in the future.

The trio’s efforts raised £4,050 for the Poppy Appeal. Donations are still being accepted through the charity’s Ivybridge branch.