He has previously held positions in various client/corporate organisations, most latterly IT software providers LogicaCMG. He previously spent 6 years employed by Courier Company DHL preceeded by roles in retailers Safeway, Lidl and Alldays.

Gavin Pilcher is currently Woolworth’s Head of Property Operations having joined in October 2006 where he is responsible for the fitting out and refurbishment of new and existing stores and the repairs and maintenance of the existing store Estate.

Sport
Gavin was a schoolboy all rounder who competed in both athletics and rugby union. He was a sprint hurdler who represented his county at National Schools level and held junior rugby honours at both County and Representative level and was invited to the elite England Colts training camp in 1988. He was a first team scrum half at 17 for Bournemouth RFC and toured Kenya with Bracknell RFC in 1991 where his side beat a Kenya XV team.

A series of minor knee injuries, culminated in a major knee injury in 1995, which ended his amateur career prematurely at the age of 28 on medical advice. He is now an occasional golfer and skier although he has been known to try his hand at more daring pursuits having completed a tandem skydive and paragliding.

His running experience is limited to fun runs and half marathons.

12 months ago Gavin severely injured himself again in when, during a “friendly” football match, he snapped his right knee and broke his shin bone in 3 places requiring 4 surgical operations and many months of painful physiotherapy to put it right.

His rehabilitation has been successful enough for him to contemplate joining 3 friends and complete this first gruelling Gobi March ultra marathon in June. The challenge of regaining fitness and the goal of completing a foot race in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments have been a positive motivation for Gavin. He and his friends, once having successfully completed this event intend to continue their charity fundraising efforts by completing the remainder of the Race the Planet series, a further 3 races in 3 different deserts around the world and raise £1m for charity Small Steps.

Small Steps School for Parents help parents to help their own children who suffer with cerebral palsy and other forms of motor and sensory impairment where one of the four currently send their son.