Hi it’s Dave Corbett , Still Marching On: My Next Challenge for a Cause

"From Heart Attack to Hiking Iceland: One Man’s Mission to Give Back"

14 months ago I nearly died — now I’m hiking across Iceland’s wild terrain to raise funds for the NHS heroes who saved my life.

As most people who know me will tell you, I’m no longer a spring chicken — but I don’t let the grass grow under my feet! I like a challenge, and I don’t do things by halves.

Over the last 25+ years, with your kind support — and not forgetting your dosh, dough, bread, bangers & mash (your cash!) — we’ve raised thousands of pounds for some incredible charities and causes. These include Walking with the Wounded, Help for Heroes, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and local charities supporting children with special needs and animal welfare.

The challenges? Plenty! From yomping over the Brecon Beacons, completing 100K events, Tough Mudder (yes, I’m officially a Legionnaire now!), the 54-mile Cateran Yomp in under 24 hours, to summiting Kilimanjaro and tackling the epic Twin Challenge in 2019 — which included the brutal “Since 1664” yomp and the iconic Everest Base Camp trek.

But on 5th June 2025, just 14 months ago, my world was turned upside down. I suffered a massive heart attack. For a moment, I thought I was off to meet my maker — but thankfully, he checked the guest list and said, “Your name’s not down, you’re not coming in.”

What followed was nothing short of a miracle. My Coopers Troopers colleagues leapt into action with first aid, then an ‘Angel of the Park’ appeared and refused to let me die. She kept me going until the emergency services arrived, and thanks to an outstanding cardiologist and medical team, I’m still here.

Recovery hasn’t been easy. But with the unwavering support of the NHS, my family, friends, and visitors who stood by me, I’ve made it this far.

Of course, life’s road is never straight — it’s full of bends, potholes, dead ends, and even a few detours. I’ve had moments of doubt, dark days, and setbacks. But those who know me know I’m a fighter, always seeing the glass half full and hungry for the next challenge.

So, while my days of extreme adventures might be behind me (for now!), I’m far from done. With Action Heart guiding my rehab, I’m preparing for my next adventure: The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland.

Now, this isn’t exactly a walk in the park. The Laugavegur Trail is a demanding hut-to-hut trek through Iceland’s wild volcanic landscapes, glacial rivers, and dramatic terrain. Add in my recent diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) — which makes walking painful at times — and this becomes more than a hike. It’s a true test.

But I’m not taking the easy option. And I’m not doing it just for me.

This time, I’m raising funds for two causes very close to my heart (literally):

New Cross Surgical and Cardiology Department

❤️ Action Heart at Russell Hall Hospital