David’s story: Finding the force to fundraise
Taekwondo grandmaster David tells how he has written a memoir about his eventful life to raise funds in memory of his parents.
David’s story:
The sport of taekwondo has been a huge part of my life for more than 45 years and has taken me around the world as a player, national team coach and referee. I’m a 9th Dan black belt, which is the highest rank you can achieve in the sport.
I wanted to use my skills and experiences to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of my parents Ann and George, who both had dementia.
I’m 64 now and I’ve had quite a few adventures with taekwondo, travelling to international taekwondo events in over 50 countries and meeting so many different people. So I decided to finally write down some of my stories for a book – Finding the Force: A Lifetime in Taekwondo – which I’m giving to people in return for a donation.
The book covers a lot of ground, with me starting out as a shy Liverpudlian teenager discovering my spiritual home in taekwondo, to then representing the UK at world championships, meeting my wife Angie, moving to Falkirk and establishing Central Taekwondo Academy, and having three beautiful daughters – Paige, Asia and Ellise.
Along the way there was the time I faced the rifles of Russian soldiers outside Moscow’s first McDonalds. Experiencing karaoke in Korea. Teaching taekwondo in Kathmandu. Hobnobbing with Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Chris Hoy, Rio Ferdinand and Barry McGuigan. Volunteering at the London 2012 Olympics, and flying round the summit of Mount Everest.
I’m really surprised and pleased at the support I’ve had for the book, and the generous donations keep coming in.
It was tough having both my parents live with dementia. Mum was a very gentle, loving person who worked hard and was devoted to her family. She was always smiling, giving you cuddles and making roast dinners for everyone.
Dad was a big guy who worked away a lot as a long distance lorry driver and was a real joker. I was one of five kids so the house was always noisy and full of laughter.
My parents were always really supportive and when I’d bring home taekwondo trophies or travel to some far-flung country to compete they’d tell me how proud they were of me.
I hope the money I’m raising can help support the vital work of Alzheimer Scotland, and that mum and dad would be proud.
• If you would like a copy of the book you can contact David at centraltkd@outlook.com
• Donate at www.justgiving.com/page/david-bailey-taekwondo-1
