Haines makes history
(CNS): When Derek Haines crossed the finish line of the Cayman Islands marathon on Sunday morning in three hours, 58 minutes and 25 seconds, he not only made history, he had also made over one million dollars to build an in-patient facility for Cayman Hospice. Despite being the man who pounded pavements for over 157 miles in six different countries in less than one year, Haines described the end of the challenge as a “fantastic community effort”. With the total post-race tally at CI$1,030,200, Haines said there was more to come and the project would now get underway in the New Year. “I am very grateful to everyone for being so supportive of this challenge. That certainly boosted me when I had bad times during races,” Haines said.
Despite wide community support for his incredible sporting feat at a mere 66 years old, the veteran runner had to work hard with his Rotary colleagues in the last week to generate the last $100,000. But as he crossed the line Sunday with his wife and daughter Lizzie, who, along with his running mate Cynthia Hew, also ran this race with her dad, the marathon man knew he had done it.
Having started the challenge in Paris in April, Haines then ran marathons in London, Pamplona, San Francisco and Dublin before the home turf race, where thousands came out to watch him cross the line.
Anyone wishing to make further donations can do so at six4hospice.com
Category: Sports
Amazing effort!
The Hospice is an organization many benefit from in our community and they are so deserving of the funds raised to upgrade their facility.
THANKS SO MUCH Derek for sacrificing the time, and huge effort to fundraise for a New Hospice!
Derek Haines has a unique running posture and he can be spotted a long way off, don't be afraid to congratulate him for his good work but if you are in a vehicle do not crowd him.
I miss the old days when our guvnas ran about in pith helmets with big feathers.
Why does it always lead to nationality? At the end of the day we all bleed the same blood and we are all going to the same place when we die. This "he caymanian" /"he na caymanian" needs to stop.
Congrats Mr. Haines, a job well done!! Hope many gain inspiration from this and work towards doing some good for the community.
Hats off to you sir!
So here we have a piece of uplifting news whereby an individual does something in a totally selfless manner for the benefit of others yet posters try to turn it into a Caymanian vs non Caymanian topic. Have we really sunk this low? Well done Derek. Cayman's man of the year.
It will be an embarrassment to the country and for the government if they do not give Derek Haines some form of acknowledgment for his achievements for the betterment of the country.
To ignore these achievements because he is not a born Caymanian would be considered petty by many in the country and around the world.
There are many status holders who have been recognized so there is no reason why Derek Haines should not received some recognition.
In a just world perhaps. But in the Empire awards go to three main categories: 1. Long serving civilservants; 2. Rich businessmen and professionals; 3. Politicians.
Fantastic!! What a tremendous accomplishment!! Very well done!!
So.. any unemployed bloke could have done some running and served a purpose in our community? Hmm..
"Any unemployed bloke" would not have been able to travel to these far flung places to run marathons let alone raise $1m.
Put aside all the money and the hoohah about the Hospice.
For a 66 year old man, this is a bloody good time and would win medals everywhere. Well done, Derek.
Who's the saddo giving the thumbs down then?
When was the last time you did a good deed?
I pray you never need Hospice Care.
Brilliant and Inspirational Mr Haines..just goes to show that when you set yourelf a target, you can do it and that is a lesson for all of us, as well of course as a lesson in helping others.
A true hero! I hope to one day see a statue of him soemwhere.
You should have made this man among men the Police Commissioner when you had the chance(s), then you wouldn't be in such a mess today. It's not too late, get rid of the coat-hanger that is Dvaid Baines and get Derek into the job he deserves, that he was made for.
An example to us all, congratulations Boss.
To the poster at 08/12/2014 – 08:53., Derek Haines is not a Caymanian (maybe by paper) but one of those pesky expats that the country vilifies so often. Open your eyes and see us expats for what we are, the life and soul of the country, and much more interested in preserving it's future than many of the true 'Caymanians' you crave.
Down with baines.
Up with Haines!
Perhaps Mr Baines will join Derek next year and we'll see who da man is?
13.27-not the place for a rant-just celebrate the man who is Derek Haines.
You can try and try but anyone else will never overcome the delusional stupidity and self importance of this post on Mon, 08/12/2014 – 13:27. Where to begin….jeez
13:27.Paul FYI a paper Caymanian is an expat who has been granted Caymanian status but does not care for or love Cayman or Caymanians,a description that does not fit Mr Haines.Derek Haines has long established himself as caring for and respecting Cayman and Caymanians,in return he is beloved and respected by most Caymanians.He is certainly not one of those "pesky expats" that you mention.
Huzzah Derek!
CNS- I'm wondering why Her Excellency, the Governor of the Cayman Islands, was cropped out of the left hand side of the photograph, where she was holding Derek's right hand.
As I am sure Derek would agree, the Governor's enthusastic support of the 6-for-Hospice initiative did a great deal towards underpinning the success of the overall fund raising effort, and she ran the final few yards with him, which makes her a very good sport in my view. So come on CNS, give her some credit too please, by putting her back in your picture, or finding one that includes her.
Alan Roffey
Well said Alan.
H.E. really supported this effort and made personal efforts of her own towards this goal. I loved seeing her as one of the women finishing with Derek. We all got goosebumps and shed a tear at the finish line….Ms. Kilpatrick was genuine and sincere from start to finish.
This is not politcal, she was just being supportive of a great charity effort.
Good point Alan. CNS please give us the whole photograph. If you do not have one, I will send you one.
And long live Derek, an inspiration to all.
Thank you CNS for updating the picture to include Her Excellency
Alan Roffey
This is a great reflection of our Caymanian society, and shows its sense of independence, social responsibility and a cohesive caring for each other, independent of Government, which is so refreshing. Well done Mr Haines! We are all learning something from you.
Amazing accomplishment
A CNN Heroes candidate!
Congratulations. Another Angel on earth. Thank you for all you do Mr. Haines
He deserves our very highest recognition. He is an example to follow. I am proud that he is a Caymanian! Thank you Derek!
The Compass story identifies him as an Englishman.
You believe everything you read in the paper?
Nevertheless a Cayman hero in my mind and in the view of most in this community. Caymanians have never had any objection to recognizing those that have become a part of this community as Caymanians. Derek is a Caymanian, deserves to be, and humbles most of us. He is a Caymanian both on paper and in reality, just not “in the papers.” I really do not care how the Compass reports it. I thank him for being an example to his adopted countrymen and those that aspire to call themselves Caymanian.
14:15.Not surprising ,coming from the Compass;afterall the new owners changed the name from Caymanian Compass to Cayman Compass.I guess they did not want anyone thinking of them as Caymanian.
Congratulations Mr. Haines. Thanks for this tremendous achievement for a noble cause.
Fantastic achievement.
Derreck a man of integrity and perseverance. Thank you from all the citizens of this little country.