Marathon Man David Walmsley Presents £4,000 Donation to Backup Tech at ABTT Theatre Show
After completing an extraordinary challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days from the Isle of Skye to London, events industry professional David Walmsley presented a cheque for £4,000 to Lee Dennison, Chair and Trustee of the industry charity Backup Tech, at the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London on 3 June, alongside Jez Berryman, Managing Director of Crewsaders, who sponsored David throughout his campaign.
Who Has Benefited from the 30 in 30 Challenge?
The donation forms part of Walmsley's wider 30 in 30 Challenge, which saw him cover more than 786 miles during April 2026, raising over £20,000 for mental health charities including Backup Tech, Mind and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The challenge attracted industry-wide attention and support across the events, entertainment and production sectors. David undertook the challenge to shine a spotlight on the mental health pressures experienced by many working in high-pressure event and entertainment environments.
How is the £4,000 Being Spent?
Lee Dennison congratulated David on his achievement, saying:
David's achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. 30 marathons in 30 days is a true test of resilience, commitment and purpose. To see £4,000 donated to Backup Tech makes it even more meaningful, as that money will go straight back into supporting the live events industry and the amazing people who work within it. It is a powerful reminder of what this industry stands for: generosity, determination and looking after one another.
What Motivated Crewsaders to Support David?
At the cheque presentation ceremony, Jez Berryman, Managing Director of Crewsaders, reiterated his support for David and the company's commitment to mental health wellness in the events industry, saying:
Mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to building sustainable, high-performing teams. David's challenge has helped shine a light on conversations that too often happen behind closed doors. His approach of raising vital funds for organisations such as Backup Tech provides awareness and real support when it is needed most. At Crewsaders, we believe that looking after people is the foundation of everything we do, and this campaign reflects the values we strive to embed across our business every day.
About Backup Tech
Backup Tech is the entertainment and events industry's charity, providing financial and wellbeing support to technical and production professionals when they are seriously ill, injured, or struggling with their mental health. Every pound raised goes straight back into supporting the live events industry and the people who power it.
David's 30 in 30 Challenge remains open for donations. You can still get behind the cause and help fund vital mental health support for our industry.
Every donation makes a difference. Every share spreads awareness. Every mile matters.
