So sorry to hear of David’s passing. I didn’t know him well. But as a friend to my father, a guardian of my parent’s wellbeing, I was lucky enough to get to meet him. My parents arrived in Ashbourne when my mum (a retired Methodist minister) was already struggling with dementia, at that time undiagnosed. David became their pastoral carer, happy to talk with my father about the football scores and keep a wise eye on the situation. As I live in Australia, knowing someone was there doing exactly what was needed was completely invaluable. I understand I’m only one individual, with a small connection. And therefore I can only imagine how many more there are who have valued this excellent individual man. I would like to point out I did beat him twice in the ridiculously muddy Ashbourne parkrun…although he was also 20 years my senior. God Bless David. Rip.
Chris Franklin
12/01/2026
