The Kingskettle thrill-seeker has returned to north east Fife after taking part in the 200km Jungle Marathon through the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

David finished the six-day event — dubbed 'the most dangerous race in the world' — in 28th place out of 102 starters, raising £2000 for CHAS in the process.

The 46-year-old said: "When I got back on the Monday evening I said I'd never do anything like that again — but by the end of the week I was looking for my next challenge!"

While piranha-infested rivers and deadly snakes were among the dangers flagged up by the Jungle Marathon organisers, it was the searing heat that provided the sternest test for most runners.

"The heat was incredible," said David, a harvest manager with Kettle Produce.

"I was lying in my hammock the night before the race started, wondering how I was going to manage.

"Even before the first day was out we were losing people to dehydration and heat exhaustion.

"For me the second stage was the toughest — mentally more than physically — as I was trying to get my head round four people getting carted off to hospital after less than a day.

"I'd become friendly with some of them, so it was a huge shock."

TERRIFYING

A non-swimmer, some of David's most challenging moments came during the event's numerous river crossings.

He said: "They set up ropes to help non-swimmers get across the water, but the other competitors found it easier to use them too, so they became very crowded.

"At one crossing someone stood on the rope, which meant I had to let go.
"I lost one of my walking sticks and thought I was going to drown — it was terrifying."

Now back in the safety of north east Fife, David has been collecting the last of his sponsorship money to present to CHAS.

He said: "I set myself a target of £2000, which I didn't quite get to, but Kettle Produce made up the difference — everyone at work has been brilliant.

"I'd also like to mention my mother and the women's section of Methilhill Royal British Legion, who raised £300."

Next on David's agenda are the Great Outdoors Challenge and a quadrathlon, while he refuses to rule out a return to the Amazon for the 2010 Jungle Marathon.

He added: "I thought this would push me to my limit, but I've still got a bit further to go!"